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closeReiser looking forward to new challenge after Homestead race
Longtime crew chief moving to general manager's post as part of Roush Fenway and Yates changes
DAVID POOLE
The Charlotte Observer
Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007
Robbie Reiser is leaving as crew chief for Matt Kenseth in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series to become general manager of Roush Fenway Racing's Cup team operations.
"It wasn't an easy decision to stop being the crew chief of the No. 17 team," said Reiser, who has been in that role for all 15 of the No. 17 Ford team's victories and the 2003 Cup championship.
"But now I get to work with all of our Cup teams and help improve our performance as a whole. I'm looking forward to the new challenge."
Reiser replaces Max Jones, who is moving to a role as co-owner and general manager for Yates Racing, the team that Doug Yates is buying from his father, Robert.
Reiser, a native of Allentown, Wis., was a driver working with his father, John, until deciding to move to a crew chief's role in the NASCAR Busch Series in 1997. The Reisers hired Kenseth to drive their cars, and when Kenseth moved to Roush Racing in 1999 Reiser came along.
Reiser will work Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway before moving to the new post. The team said a new crew chief for Kenseth will be named in the coming weeks.
"This is a great opportunity for me and I'm looking forward to the next phase of my racing career," Reiser said. "If it's anywhere near as fun, competitive, and successful as the previous phase, then we're going to be in good shape."
Jones, who is from Long Beach, Calif., was a road-racing driver for Roush Racing before moving into the general manager's position in 1992.
"We're thrilled to have someone as respected as Max join Yates Racing," Doug Yates said.
"With his experience in the sport and working with such a large and successful organization as Roush Fenway Racing for so many years, he will immediately step in and improve our race operations."
Robert Yates Racing has won 57 races and the 1999 championship with Dale Jarrett. Robert is retiring at season's end, and Doug will take over as owner.
The team is moving its shop from Mooresville to a facility on the Roush Fenway Racing campus in Concord and Yates Racing will get engineering and other support from Roush Fenway. Yates and Roush joined forces in building Ford engines several years ago.
"It's an incredible honor to be able to help lead and develop an organization that's as steeped in tradition as Yates Racing," Jones said. "I know their program and the standard of excellence that the Yates family is all about, and I look forward to continuing and improving upon the success that Yates Racing has enjoyed throughout the years."
