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closeGrubb leaving Hendrick at season's end, will be crew chief for Stewart
JIM UTTER
The CharlotteObserver
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008
Hendrick Motorsports engineering manager Darian Grubb has accepted a position as crew chief for driver Tony Stewart and his No. 14 Chevrolet next season, the Observer and ThatsRacin.com have learned.
Grubb, who works with the Nos. 5 and 88 teams at Hendrick, is expected to remain with that organization for the remainder of this season, sources said Tuesday.
Stewart is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of the season to take 50 percent ownership in Stewart-Haas Racing, which will field Chevrolets for Stewart and teammate Ryan Newman.
Grubb was not immediately available for comment. A spokesman with Hendrick said the organization does not discuss the contract status of employees. Stewart-Haas Racing officials declined to comment.
Grubb was lead engineer for driver Jimmie Johnson's team in 2006 when he took over the crew chief position on an interim basis when Johnson's regular crew chief, Chad Knaus, was suspended. During his brief tenure, Rubb led the team to two wins, including the Daytona 500 victory.
Last season, Grubb served as crew chief for Hendrick driver Casey Mears and the two earned a victory at the Coca-Cola 600. Grubb moved back into the engineering manager position at the beginning of this season.