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closeScott Miller named WYPALL Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” in Bristol
Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2008
Roswell, GA (March 18, 2008) – Scott Miller, crew chief of the No. 31 AT&T Mobility Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton, was named the WYPALL Wipers “Crew Chief of the Race” for his team’s first place finish in Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Although Burton only led two laps throughout the entire race, it was the “final” two propelling him to his first career victory at Bristol Motor Speedway. Miller will receive a $1,000 check as a result of his leadership and successful strategy calls during the most critical moments of the race.
After Burton ran in the top six for most of the day, Miller made the late decision for Burton to come in for a four-tire change after the race’s 9th caution on lap 485. According to Miller, this was an easy call to make.
“Our only chance of making anything happen or having at least some potential to win the race was to have four tires and then let the chips fall where they may,” said Miller following the victory. “We weren’t going to win the race had we stayed out there.”
The leaders didn't pit. With five laps left, Burton, with fresh tires, was sixth, then moved to fourth on lap 499 when RCR teammate Kevin Harvick got together with Tony Stewart. Jeff slipped past into second place setting up a green-white-checkered, two-lap dash for glory. When the green flag fell, Burton roared past leader Denny Hamlin, who also had not pitted for tires, and cruised to the win.
At both Bristol races this season, not only does the winning crew chief receive $1,000, but a $1,000 bonus is awarded to the winning pit crew as well. The No. 31 AT&T crew received a $1,000 check during the post-race ceremonies in Victory Lane.
The 2008 WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief Challenge is a season-long contest that will determine the best crew chiefs in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel will vote to determine which crew chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the race. It isn’t necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief who made the biggest difference to his team.
Representatives from WYPALL Wipers, together with FOX/Speed television analyst Jeff Hammond, and three of NASCAR’s top crew chiefs who represent WYPALL, make up the panel of judges. The crew chiefs include Todd Berrier of the Richard Childress Racing No.29 Shell Pennzoil Chevy team, Bob Osborne of the Roush Fenway Racing No.99 Office Depot Ford team, and Kenny Francis of the Gillett Evernham Motorsports No.9 Budweiser Dodge team.
In addition to the $1,000 check, the winning crew chief will receive signage to announce the win on their pit box the following week. The crew chief with the most weekly top wins will be honored as the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and will be presented a $20,000 check at the season finale in Homestead, FL.
“The WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief Challenge spotlights the crew chief’s efforts to get his team in Victory Lane,” said Tom Merrill, Category Manager for WYPALL Wipers. “WYPALL Wipers and crew chiefs are a natural fit. Crew chiefs only want to use reliable products on their cars and engines. That’s why they choose WYPALL Wipers. Our products are used to wipe up the toughest, most stubborn messes, and we want to focus on the men who put WYPALL Wipers to use each week. That’s why we continue to show our appreciation to the crew chiefs.”