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PAST 2003 NEWS

McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade

What is it? During each 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup points event, the participating team whose car spends the least amount of aggregate time off the race track will be named the weekly winner of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE, provided the team's driver takes the green flag at the beginning of the event and the checkered flag at the conclusion of the event.. A timing line at the entrance and exit of pit road triggers the car's transponder and records the total time spent off the race track.
The point distribution per race is: 43 points for first place, descending in increments of one. The season champion of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE will receive a $200,000 bonus.
The McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE is the largest monetary contingency program in NASCAR history. See much more detail below the Daytona 500 results.

PAST NEWS and McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit
Championship fueled by POWERade Results

Dale Jr's Pit Crew To Collect $200,000 Bonus; Sterling Marlin's Crew Takes Homestead Victory:
#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr's pit crew made a late-season charge to capture the 2003 McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. For winning the championship, Earnhardt's pit crew will collect a $200,000 bonus. The check presentation will take place Dec. 5 in New York during the NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Banquet at the Waldorf-Astoria. With five McDonald's/POWERade race victories that paid $20,000 each, Earnhardt's pit crew earned a total of $300,000 in the season-long championship. Earnhardt's crew edged Michael Waltrip's pit crew to claim the inaugural championship that recognized and honored the unsung heroes in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Earnhardt's team collected 1,243 points while Waltrip's team totaled 1,230. The two DEI crews waged an impressive battle with both teams entering last week's season finale in Homestead, Fla. tied in points.
"At the first of the year when we found out about the McDonald's/POWERade program, everybody got pumped up and had something to shoot for," said Tony Eury, crew chief for Earnhardt's team. "We never dreamed that it was going to come down to a battle with our own teammate. Both teams put a lot effort into this and it was sure nice of McDonald's and POWERade to recognize their efforts. We are proud to be the first champions of the program."
Earnhardt's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clark (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Jay Guarneri (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Bill Snyder (catch can). Assisting Eury with the crew chief duties is the team's car chief Tony Eury Jr. Walt Smith is the pit crew coach at DEI.

In Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Sterling Marlin's pit crew won the McDonald's/POWERade championship. Marlin's No. 40 Dodge spent the least amount of time on pit road - 220.757 seconds. Bill Elliott's Dodge was second at 229.941and Jamie McMurray's Dodge was third at 246.539. Marlin's over-the-wall pit crew consists of: Steven Wolfe (front tire changer), Trent Davis (front tire carrier), Mike Atwell (rear tire changer), Tim Shore (rear tire carrier), Greg Pasi (jackman), Jerry Schweitz (gasman) and Rick Reling (catch can). The crew chief is Lee McCall and the team trainer is Al Shuford.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In
Sunday's (Nov. 16) Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Time Car # Points 1. Sterlin Marling Team 220.757 Seconds 40 43
2. Bill Elliott Team 229.941 " 9 42
3. Jamie McMurray Team 246.539 " 42 41
4. Jimmy Spencer Team 277.703 " 7 40
5. Tony Raines Team 281.623 " 74 39
6. Todd Bodine Team 295.509 " 54 38
7. Elliott Sadler Team 297.153 " 38 37
8. Steve Park Team 300.765 " 30 36
9. Ron Hornaday Team 314.303 " 90 35
10. Bobby Labonte Team 338.205 " 18 34
(14. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 394.822 " 8 30)
(27. Michael Waltrip 9,377.860 (DNF) 15 17)

2003 Winners of The McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE
Race..................................... Team Winner
Daytona (Feb. 16) ...... ...... #15-Michael Waltrip Team
Rockingham (Feb. 23) ...... #77-Dave Blaney Team
Las Vegas (March 2) ...... #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team
Atlanta (March 9) ...... ...... #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team (2)
Darlington (March 16) ...... #30-Jeff Green Team (with Richard Childress Racing)
Bristol (March 23) ...... ...... #9-Bill Elliott Team
Texas (March 30) ...... ...... #31-Robby Gordon Team
Talladega (April 6) ...... ...... #9-Bill Elliott Team (2)
Martinsville (April 13) ...... #18-Bobby Labonte Team
California (April 27) ...... ...... #18-Bobby Labonte Team (2)
Richmond (May 3) ...... ...... #99-Jeff Burton Team
Charlotte (May 25) ...... ...... #88-Dale Jarrett Team
Dover (June 1) ...... ...... #15-Michael Waltrip Team(2)
Pocono (June 8) ...... ...... #54-Todd Bodine Team
Michigan (June 15) ...... ...... #40-Sterling Marlin Team
Sonoma (June 22) ..... .....#31-Robby Gordon Team
Daytona (July 5)..... .....#99-Jeff Burton Team
Chicago (July 13)..... .....#15- Michael Waltrip Team(4)
New Hampshire (July 20)..... .....#9-Bill Elliott Team (3)
Pocono (July 27)..... .....#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team (3)
Indianapolis (Aug. 3)..... .....#97-Kurt Busch Team
Watkins Glen (Aug. 10)..... .....#38-Elliott Sadler Team
Michigan (8/17)..... .....#16-Greg Biffle Team
Bristol (8/23)..... .....#97-Kurt Busch Team
Darlington (8/31)..... .....#9-Bill Elliott Team (4)
Richmond (9/6)..... .....#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team (4)
New Hampshire (9/14)..... .....#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team (5)
Dover (9/21)..... .....#9-Bill Elliott Team (5)
Talladega (9/28)..... .....#20-Tony Stewart Team
Kansas (10/5) ...... ...... #18-Bobby Labonte Team (3)
Charlotte (10/11)..... .....#9-Bill Elliott Team (6)
Martinsville (10/19) ...... #15- Michael Waltrip Team(5)
Atlanta (10/27)..... .....#9-Bill Elliott Team (7)
Phoenix (11/2) ...... #15- Michael Waltrip Team(6)
Rockingham (11/9)..... .....#9-Bill Elliott Team (8)
Homestead (11/16) ...... ...... #40-Sterling Marlin Team (2)

Final 2003 Point Standings For NASCAR Winston Cup Teams Participating
In The McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE:
(following Homstead 11/16/03; pit crew wins in parentheses)

Pos	Car#	Pit Crew (wins)	Points	Prize Money
1	8	Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team (5)	1243	300,000*
2	15	Michael Waltrip Team (5)	1230	100,000
3	18	Bobby Labonte Team (3)	1197	60,000
4	9^	Bill Elliott Team (8)	1190	160,000
5	97	Kurt Busch Team (2)	1169	40,000
6	31	Robby Gordon Team (2)	1148	40,000
7	42	Jamie McMurray Team	1135
T8	40	Sterling Marlin Team (2)	1129	40,000
T8	20	Tony Stewart Team (1)	1129	20,000
10	38	Elliott Sadler Team (1)	1098	20,000
11	99	Jeff Burton Team (2)	1091	40,000
12	16	Greg Biffle Team (1)	1081	20,000
13	88	Dale Jarrett Team (1)	1078	20,000
14	77	Dave Blaney Team (1)	1075	20,000
15	1	John Andretti Team	1061
16	21	Ricky Rudd Team	1050
17	30	Steve Park Team (1)	1027	20,000
18	7	Jimmy Spencer Team	1011
19	01	Joe Nemechek Team	997
20	54	Todd Bodine Team (1)	984	20,000
21	74	Tony Raines Team	977
22	41	Casey Mears Team	964
23	0	Ward Burton Team	933
24	45	Kyle Petty Team	855
25	43	Jeff Green Team	853
26	49	Ken Schrader Team	852
27	14	Larry Foyt Team	405
28	09	Mike Wallace Team	242
29	02	Hermie Sadler Team	200
30	37	Derrick Cope Team	146
31	11	Brett Bodine Team	144
32	44	Christian Fittipaldi Team	80
33	57	Kevin Lepage Team	76
34	90	(Donlavey Racing)	71
35	50	(A.J. Foyt Racing)	64

*includes $200,000 championship bonus
^joined program at fifth race of season - Darlington, 3/16
(DMF Communications PR)(11-19-2003)

been asked, what teams are not participating
[no idea why - but usually as the team has a conflicting sponsor - like #24 and Pepsi...etc], here is a list:

2-Rusty Wallace
4-Morgan-McClure
5-Terry Labonte
6-Mark Martin
10-Johnny Benson
12-Ryan Newman
17-Matt Kenseth [2 time champs of the Unocal Pit Crew Championship]
19-Jeremy Mayfield
22-Ward Burton
23-Kenny Wallace
24-Jeff Gordon
25-Joe Nemechek
29-Kevin Harvick
32-Ricky Craven
48-Jimmie Johnson

(by Jayski using process of elimination)

Elliott's Pit Crew Strikes Again, Claims Eighth Win of Season: While Bill Elliott drove to an impressive victory in Sunday's 400-mile race in Rockingham, N.C., his pit crew was just as awesome, claiming top honors in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. It was the eighth win of the season for Elliott's pit crew, which increased its season earnings to $160,000. Though Elliott's pit crew leads the McDonald's/POWERade series in victories and prize money, it's the DEI crews of Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr. that are in contention for the inaugural title and the $200,000 champion's bonus.
Waltrip's and Earnhardt's crews are tied in points with 1,213. With Earnhardt's crew finishing third in Rockingham and Waltrip's crew 25th, the Earnhardt team was able to pick up 22 points and tie the series standings with one race remaining - the Ford 400, Sunday (Nov. 16) at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
"We're all friends here at DEI, but both of the teams want this really bad," said Walt Smith, DEI pit crew coach. "It's not only the money, but also the bragging rights to win the first McDonald's/POWERade championship. It's a tremendous amount of pressure, but both teams know what they have to do and I know they will handle it very well. No matter what happens, I am very proud of all our teams at DEI."
Elliott's No. 9 Dodge spent the least amount of time on pit road at North Carolina Speedway - 203.760 seconds. Bobby Labonte's Chevrolet was second at 214.373 and Earnhardt's Chevy was third at 252.034.
"The guys were flawless on Sunday," said Elliott's crew chief Mike Ford. "They didn't make any mistakes all day long. They got Bill in and out of the pits without any trouble. In fact, we gained spots on our first stop. Then we were pretty much up front all day and never once lost a spot on pit road. They were very deserving this week. I'm very proud of all of our guys." Elliott's over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Colburn (jackman), Nick Bailey (front tire carrier), Jim Pohlman (front tire changer), Eric Wakeland (rear tire carrier), Joe Kruschek (rear tire changer), Rodney Rhodes (gasman) and Steve Lawrence (catch can). The team's pit crew coach is Greg Miller.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (Nov. 9) race at North Carolina Speedway
Time Car # Points
1. Bill Elliott Team 203.760 seconds 9 43
2. Bobby Labonte Team 214.373 " 18 42
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 252.034 " 8 41
4. Ward Burton Team 255.725 " 0 40
5. Dave Blaney Team 268.023 " 77 39
6. Tony Raines Team 298.371 " 74 38
7. Tony Stewart Team 306.750 " 20 37
8. Steve Park Team 308.418 " 30 36
9. Robby Gordon Team 329.874 " 31 35
10. Jeff Green Team 331.826 " 43 34
(25. Michael Waltrip 1,884.097 (DNF) 15 19)
(DMF Communications PR)(11-12-2003)
Waltrip's Pit Crew Wins in Phoenix; Increases Points Lead For $200,000 Bonus: Michael Waltrip's No. 15 pit crew rebounded Sunday in Phoenix, claiming the top prize and an important 43 points in the inaugural McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. In the chase for the $200,000 bonus that goes to the season champion, Waltrip's pit crew has a 22-point lead over its DEI teammate - the No. 8 crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. There are two races remaining - Rockingham (Nov. 9) and Homestead-Miami (Nov. 16). Waltrip's NAPA pit crew, which has five McDonald's/POWERade victories and $100,000 in prize money to date, has led the championship since the season-opening Daytona 500. "The NAPA boys stepped it up in Phoenix," said crew chief Richard "Slugger" Labbe. "The first stop was 12.82 seconds and we gained six positions - a great indication for what the day was going to be like. Their success is a direct result of the training by Walt Smith (DEI pit crew trainer). The No. 15 team and the No. 8 team are running first and second in the McDonald's/POWERade competition - what a testament to Walt and the preparation he makes." Waltrip's Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road at Phoenix International Raceway - 159.435 seconds. Jamie McMurray's Dodge was second at 162.096. Ricky Rudd's Ford was third (165.198) and Earnhardt's Chevy was fourth (172.933). The over-the-wall pit crew for Waltrip's team consists of: Brian Chase (jackman), Jeff Opal (gasman), Chris Crumley (front tire changer), Greg Osborne (rear tire changer), Shawn Ward (front tire carrier), Chad Walter (rear tire carrier) and Pete Rondeau (catch can).

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (Nov. 2) race at Phoenix International Raceway
Time Car # Points
1. Michael Waltrip Team 159.435 seconds 15 43
2. Jamie McMurray Team 162.096 " 42 42
3. Ricky Rudd Team 165.198 " 21 41
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 172.933 " 8 40
5. Kurt Busch Team 205.354 " 97 39
6. Dale Jarrett. Team 210.877 " 88 38
7. John Andretti Team 212.917 " 1 37
8. Sterling Marlin Team 233.225 " 40 36
9. Todd Bodine Team 299.426 " 54 35
10. Dave Blaney Team 301.861 " 77 34
(DMF Communications PR)(11-6-2003)
Elliott's Pit Crew Wins For Seventh Time: Bill Elliott's No. 9 pit crew took first place honors in Atlanta, scoring its seventh win of the season in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. It was also the fourth win in the last nine races for Elliott's crew, which has pocketed a series-leading $140,000 in the inaugural championship that recognizes the unsung heroes on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit. In the McDonald's/POWERade season point standings, the pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. has seriously cut into the lead of Michael Waltrip's crew. With Waltrip's crew placing 25th in Atlanta and Earnhardt's crew sixth, the point differential is now at 19. The season champion of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade will earn a $200,000 bonus. Elliott's crew narrowly edged Bobby Labonte's No. 18 crew in Atlanta for the weekly prize. The No. 9 Dodge spent the least amount of time on pit road - 199.037 seconds. Labonte's Interstate Batteries Chevrolet was a few ticks away with a time of 200.176. Third was Kurt Busch's Ford at 202.485. "I told the guys on the radio during the race that they were doing an awesome job," said Elliott. "They kept me up front when it mattered. I can't say enough about how this team has come together. These guys deserve every bit of recognition for the hard work they've put in, not just the past few months, but all season." Elliott's over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Colburn (jackman), Nick Bailey (front tire carrier), Jim Pohlman (front tire changer), Eric Wakeland (rear tire carrier), Joe Kruschek (rear tire changer), Rodney Rhodes (gasman) and Steve Lawrence (catch can). The team's crew chief is Mike Ford and the pit crew coach is Greg Miller.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Monday's (Oct. 27) race at Atlanta Motor Speedway
Time Car # Points
1. Bill Elliott Team 199.037 seconds 9 43
2. Bobby Labonte. Team 200.176 " 18 42
3. Kurt Busch Team 202.485 " 97 41
4. Tony Stewart Team 211.152 " 20 40
5. John Andretti Team 235.105 " 1 39
6. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 236.762 " 8 38
7. Kyle Petty Team 243.154 " 43 37
8. Robby Gordon Team 245.800 " 31 36
9. Ward Burton Team 279.211 " 0 35
10. Joe Nemechek Team 288.377 " 01 34
(DMF Communications PR)(10-30-2003)
Waltrip's Pit Crew Wins in Martinsville; Closing In On Season Championship: The pit crew for Michael Waltrip's team moved one step closer to claiming the inaugural McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade and the $200,000 bonus that goes to the season champion. The #15 crew, which has led in the point standings the entire season, captured its fourth McDonald's/POWERade win of the year with a resounding victory in Sunday's (Oct. 19) 500-lap event at Martinsville Speedway. The victory, worth $20,000, lifted the #15 crew's season prize money total to $80,000. With four NASCAR Winston Cup races remaining, Waltrip's pit crew holds a 38-point lead over DEI teammate - the #8 crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
"It's getting personal here - a downright grudge match between the #15 and the #8 teams," said DEI pit crew coach Walt Smith. "Both teams are really fired up about the McDonald's/POWERade championship. I tell the (No.) 15 team to stay focused and then go over to the (No.) 8 team and tell them don't give up - you're not out of the championship. This program is great for everyone. The drivers are even talking about it during the race."
By winning in Martinsville, Waltrip's team gained only one point on Earnhardt's team, which finished second. Waltrip's NAPA Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road - 229.765 seconds. Earnhardt's Chevy was clocked at 283.984. Tony's Stewart's team finished third with a time of 291.004.
The over-the-wall pit crew for Waltrip's team consists of: Brian Chase (jackman), Jeff Opal (gasman), Chris Crumley (front tire changer), Greg Osborne (rear tire changer), Shawn Ward (front tire carrier), Chad Walter (rear tire carrier) and Pete Rondeau (catch can). The team's crew chief is Richard "Slugger" Labbe.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (Oct. 19) race at Martinsville Speedway
Time Car # Points
1. Michael Waltrip Team 229.765 seconds 15 43
2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 283.984 " 8 42
3. Tony Stewart Team 291.004 " 20 41
4. Ken Schrader Team 331.307 " 49 40
5. Jeff Burton Team 335.296 " 99 39
6. Ricky Rudd Team 337.588 " 21 38
7. Steve Park Team 349.188 " 30 37
8. Bill Elliott Team 349.318 " 9 36
9. Greg Biffle Team 399.368 " 16 35
10. Elliott Sadler Team 433.274 " 38 34
(DMF PR)(10-22-2003)
Elliott's Pit Crew is Awesome Again; Captures Record Sixth Victory With Strong Performance in Charlotte: Bill Elliott's No. 9 pit crew became the first six-time winner of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade with its narrow victory in Saturday night's (Oct. 11) NASCAR Winston Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte.
The six McDonald's/POWERade victories also put Elliott's crew on top of the prize money list with a season total of $120,000. In the overall point standings, Elliott's pit crew is ranked sixth.
Michael Waltrip's No. 15 crew, which finished second to Elliott's team in Charlotte, continues its season points lead in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship. Waltrip's team has 1089 points, 37 more than the second-place crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. The season pit crew champion will earn a $200,000 bonus.
Elliott's Dodge edged Waltrip's Chevrolet for least amount of time spent on pit road during Saturday's UAW-GM Quality 500. The No. 9 Dodge, owned by Evernham Motorsports, was clocked with a pit road time of 216.244 seconds. The time for Waltrip's NAPA Chevy was 216.573. Earnhardt Jr's Chevy was third with 220.870.
"This is great, we're jelling and knew we had a good race in Charlotte," said Greg Miller, pit crew coach for the No. 9 team. "The McDonald's/POWERade championship means a lot to the crew. It's kind of our way of gaining the hidden respect. The guys really look forward to this every week and it makes everybody want to be at their best."
Elliott's over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Colburn (jackman), Nick Bailey (front tire carrier), Jim Pohlman (front tire changer), Eric Wakeland (rear tire carrier), Joe Kruschek (rear tire changer), Rodney Rhodes (gasman) and Steve Lawrence (catch can). The team's crew chief is Mike Ford.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In
Saturday's (Oct. 11) UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway
Car#, Team Time(seconds) Points
1. #9-Bill Elliott Team 216.244, 43
2. #15-Michael Waltrip Team 216.573, 42
3. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 220.870, 41
4. #42-Jamie McMurray Team 221.746, 40
5. #18-Bobby Labonte Team 223.353, 39
6. #20-Tony Stewart Team 223.459, 38
7. #7-Jimmy Spencer Team 259.994, 37
8. #43-Jeff Green Team 262.722, 36
9. #99-Jeff Burton Team 271.611, 35
10. #77-Dave Blaney Team 297.512, 34
(DMF Communications PR)(10-15-2003)

#18 Crew Wins Award at Kansas: The #18 crew for Bobby Labonte's Interstate Batteries team notched its third victory in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade by taking first-place honors at Sunday's Banquet 400 in Kansas City, Kan. Labonte's crew narrowly defeated its Joe Gibbs Racing teammate and last week's winner (in Talladega) - the No. 20 Home Depot crew for Tony Stewart. Labonte's Chevrolet spent 178.515 seconds on the Kansas Speedway pit road compared to 182.148 for Stewart's Chevrolet. "That's awesome," said Paul Alepa, team trainer and pit crew coordinator for Joe Gibbs Racing. "We were just talking earlier today how cool it would be to someday have the No. 18 and the No. 20 teams finish one and two, so to find out it happened in Kansas is just great. It's a tribute to the guys and how hard they are working. They practice every Tuesday and Thursday, as well as a lot of Wednesdays and all the hard work is paying off." Labonte's pit crew, which scored back-to-back victories earlier in the season at Martinsville and California, has now earned $60,000 ($20,000 for each win) and is within striking distance for the season championship and the $200,000 bonus that goes with the title. With six races remaining, Michael Waltrip's No. 15 crew continues to lead the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade with 1047 points. Dale Earnhardt Jr's crew is second, 36 points behind at 1011. Kurt Busch's team is third (1002) and Labonte's crew is fourth (1001). Labonte's team got back into the mix by picking up 24 points on Waltrip's team in Kansas. Labonte's crew earned the maximum 43 points while Waltrip's crew earned 19 points for finishing 25th. "We have a deficit to overcome (46 points), but it's still possible to grab that title and the $200,000 purse," said Michael "Fatback" McSwain, crew chief for the No. 18 team. "The McDonald's/POWERade championship has sure been a great incentive for our pit crew." Labonte's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jason Lee (jackman), Todd Meredith (front tire carrier), Mark Armstrong (front tire changer), Alan Copley (rear tire carrier), Barry Cook (rear tire changer), Tom Lampe (gasman) and Tom McCrimmon (catch can). The car chief is Scott Zipadelli and the windshield duties are handled by Adam von Olhausen.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In
Sunday's (Oct. 5) Banquet 400 at Kansas Speedway

Team	Time/Secs	Car#
1. Bobby Labonte Team	178.515	18
2. Tony Stewart Team	182.148	20
3. Sterling Marlin Team	189.494	40
4. Bill Elliott Team	199.16	9
5. Dale Jarrett Team	232.018	88
6. Jason Leffler Team	245.762	0
7. Ricky Rudd Team	246.524	21
8. Todd Bodine Team	247.478	54
9. Jeff Burton Team	259.836	99
10. Steve Park Team	277.675	30

(DMF Communications PR)(10-9-2003)

#20 Crew Wins Pit Crew Award at Talladega: #20-Tony Stewart's pit crew took first-place honors in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade in Sunday's (Sept. 28) EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. It was the first victory of the season for the No. 20 pit crew, which earned $20,000 for the win. Stewart's pit crew also became the 15th different winner of the season to capture the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. Stewart's Home Depot/Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road for participating teams in Talladega - 238.941 seconds. Ken Schrader's No. 49 BAM Racing Dodge was second with a total pit-road time of 248.257. Third was Dave Blaney's Jasper Engines Dodge at 257.022. "The crew did a great job on our last pit stop -- got us out first of the cars that pitted," said Stewart, who posted a third-place finish in Talladega. "We restarted 10th and got up to fourth or fifth -- something like that - and just stayed around the top-10. Their performance gave us the track position we needed to make our run during those last four laps. They definitely deserved to have won the McDonald's/POWERade contest."
Stewart's over-the-wall crew consists of: Mike Lingerfelt (front tire changer), Tom Dean (front tire carrier), Todd Foster (rear tire changer), Jay Barry (rear tire carrier), Brian "Shaggy" Larson (catch can), Jeff "Gooch" Patterson (gas man), Chuck White (jackman) and Scott Geerts (windshield). The team's crew chief is Greg Zipadelli and the pit crew coach is Paul Alepa.
With a strong pit crew performance at Talladega (fourth), Michael Waltrip's team increased its lead in the season standings for the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. Waltrip's team has 1028 points and leads by 44 over the No. 97 crew for Kurt Busch's team, which moved into second place following Talladega. Dale Earnhardt Jr's team dropped to third, 47 points behind the leader. The season pit crew champion will earn a $200,000 bonus.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In
Sunday's (Sept. 28) EA Sports 500 at Talladea Superspeedway
1. Tony Stewart Team 238.941 seconds 20
2. Ken Schrader Team 248.257 " 49
3. Dave Blaney Team 257.022 " 77
4. Michael Waltrip Team 258.137 " 15
5. Dale Jarrett Team 263.663 " 88
6. Kurt Busch Team 266.154 " 97
7. Bobby Labonte Team 330.727 " 18
8. John Andretti Team 345.355 " 90
9. Jeff Green Team 386.799 " 43
10. Jason Keller Team 408.368 " 1
(DMF Communications PR)(10-1-2003)
Elliott's Crew Wins Pit Award: Bill Elliott's No. 9 pit crew notched its fifth victory in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade by edging Elliott Sadler's team in Sunday's MBNA America 400 at Dover (Del.) International Speedway. The No. 9 pit crew became the second team to capture five McDonald's/POWERade wins and season prize money of $100,000 ($20,000 for each win). The crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. also has five victories. The four other first-place finishes for Elliott's crew were at: Bristol (March), Talladega (April), New Hampshire (July) and Darlington (August). Elliott's No. 9 Evernham Motorsports Dodge spent the least amount of time on pit road for participating teams during the Dover race - 197.400 seconds. Sadler's No. 38 M&Ms Ford was a close second with a total pit road time of 197.728. Third was Jeff Burton's Citgo Ford at 230.933. "The guys certainly earned it this week," said Elliott. "They were on their game. We gained several positions on pit road, not just once but throughout the day. I am proud of them." Elliott's over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Colburn (jackman), Nick Bailey (front tire carrier), Jim Pohlman (front tire changer), Eric Wakeland (rear tire carrier), Joe Kruschek (rear tire changer), Rodney Rhodes (gasman) and Steve Lawrence (catch can). The team's crew chief is Mike Ford and the pit crew coach is Greg Miller. Though Michael Waltrip's No. 15 Chevrolet had an early exit in the Dover race, the team hardly lost any ground in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade point standings. The team's closest challenger - the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet team for Dale Earnhardt Jr. - also posted a DNF. Waltrip's pit crew has a 32-point lead over Earnhardt's crew. Kurt Busch's team is third - 42 points behind. The season pit crew champion will earn a $200,000 bonus.(DMF Communications PR)(9-25-2003)

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In
Sunday's (Sept. 21) MBNA America 400 at Dover International Speedway
Time Car # 1. Bill Elliott Team 197.400 seconds 9
2. Elliott Sadler Team 197.728 38
3. Jeff Burton Team 230.933 99
4. Robby Gordon Team 240.638 31
5. Tony Stewart Team 244.501 20
6. Jamie McMurray Team 247.664 42
7. Jimmy Spencer Team 252.668 7
8. Jeff Green Team 265.780 43
9. Dale Jarrett Team 270.627 88
10. Ricky Rudd Team 277.058 21
(DMF Communications PR)(9-23-2003)
#8 Crew Wins Pit Crew Award at NHIS: The No. 8 crew has now scored back-to-back wins with the latest coming in Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon. The victory gave Earnhardt's crew its fifth McDonald's/POWERade victory of the season, the most of any team participating in the inaugural championship. The five victories, worth $100,000 ($20,000 for each win), has put the No. 8 crew in a contending position for the season championship and the $200,000 bonus. Earnhardt's crew remains in second place, but the gap is closing against its DEI teammate - the No. 15 crew for Michael Waltrip. With nine races remaining, the No. 8 crew is 36 points behind Waltrip's crew. Three weeks ago following the Bristol race, Earnhardt's crew trailed Waltrip's crew by 72 points. "It's getting really tense over here at DEI," said Walt Smith, pit crew coach for the DEI teams. "We all get along here at DEI, but there's also a rivalry, trying to out-do each other. This is a fabulous deal that McDonald's and POWERade have put together. Our teams are really into it. The money that is being put out means a ton to these guys. It's huge -- $20,000 each week plus the big $200,000 bonus at the end of the year. I don't have to get them pumped up for this deal." In Sunday's (Sept. 14) Sylvania 300, Earnhardt's Budweiser Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road for participating teams - 118.175 seconds. Second was Bill Elliott's Dodge - 134.352 and third was John Andretti's Pennzoil/DEI Chevrolet - 135.759. Earnhardt's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clark (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Jay Guarneri (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Bill Snyder (catch can). The team's crew chief is Tony Eury and the car chief is Tony Eury Jr.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In
Sunday's (Sept. 15) Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway

Time Car #
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 118.175 seconds 8
2. Bill Elliott Team 134.352 " 9
3. John Andretti Team 135.759 " 1
4. Jamie McMurray Team 136.993 " 42
5. Ricky Rudd Team 141.356 " 21
6. Kurt Busch Team 148.101 " 97
7. Elliott Sadler Team 155.398 " 38
8. Casey Mears Team 172.111 " 41
9. Jason Leffler Team 184.704 " 0
10. Steve Park Team 189.650 " 30
(DMF Communications PR)(9-18-2003)
#88 Jackman Returns to the Track: John Bryan will reassume duties as jackman for the #88 UPS Racing Team this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway. Bryan has been on the sidelines since getting hurt at Indianapolis Motor Speedway the first of August. Bryan has been working out with the pit crew and practicing for the last three weeks and returns to action for the first time this weekend.(UPS Racing PR)(9-11-2003)
Dale Jr's Pit Crew Wins in Richmond; Fourth Victory Narrows Point Gap: The pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr's Chevrolet scored its fourth victory of the season in the weekly McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at the recent NASCAR Winston Cup race in Richmond, Va. The victory, worth $20,000, moved the No. 8 Budweiser team closer to first place in the pit crew season standings. With 10 races remaining, Earnhardt's crew trails DEI teammate - the No. 15 crew for Michael Waltrip by 47 points. The McDonald's/POWERade season pit crew champion will receive a $200,000 bonus. "We have a rivalry going with the No. 15 team," said Tony Eury Jr., car chief for the No. 8 Chevrolet. "Our guys are really excited about this and feel they can catch the 15 team. The $200,000 bonus gives us something to really shoot for. I think it's great that McDonald's and POWERade stepped up to recognize the crews with this championship." In Saturday night's (Sept. 6) Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway, Earnhardt's car spent the least amount of time on pit road for participating teams - 200.796 seconds. Second was Jeff Burton's Citgo Ford - 206.850 and third was Bobby Labonte's Interstate Batteries Chevrolet - 250.575. Earnhardt's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clark (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Jay Guarneri (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Bill Snyder (catch can). The team's crew chief is Tony Eury and the car chief is Tony Eury Jr.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In
Saturday's (Sept. 6) Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway

.................... Time ........ Car #
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 200.796 seconds 8
2. Jeff Burton Team ...... 206.850...... " 99
3. Bobby Labonte Team ...... 250.575...... " 18
4. Ricky Rudd Team 268.110...... " 21
5. Mike Wallace Team 269.851...... " 09
6. Greg Biffle Team ..... 287.845...... " 16
7. Mike Skinner Team 356.976...... " 01
8. Ken Schrader Team 394.266...... " 49
9. Sterling Marlin Team ..... 412.630...... " 40
10. Kurt Busch Team 450.936...... " 97 (DMF Communications PR)(9-4-2003)
#9 Crew Wins Pit Championship Award for 4th time after being fastest at Darlington: The inaugural McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade has paid out $500,000 to pit crews during the first 25 NASCAR Winston Cup races of the 2003 season. Leading the prize money list is the pit crew for Bill Elliott's team, which swiped its fourth victory of the season Sunday at the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Elliott's crew has earned $80,000 ($20,000 for each win) and is the first four-time winner of the championship that recognizes and awards the unsung heroes of the sport. Elliott's car, which finished fifth in the Darlington race, spent the least amount time on pit road for participating teams. The #9 Dodge was off the track for 469.770 seconds, edging Bobby Labonte's Interstate Batteries Chevrolet that spent 470.354 seconds on pit road. Third was Elliott Sadler's Ford at 471.403. "With the level of competition the way it is now you shoot to spend as little time on pit road as possible," said Elliott's crew chief Mike Ford. "That's a combination of your driver, calling the race and your pit stops. Your goal is keeping the car on the racetrack and not in the pits." Elliott's over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Colburn (jackman), Nick Bailey (front tire carrier), Jim Pohlman (front tire changer), Eric Wakeland (rear tire carrier), Joe Kruschek (rear tire changer), Rodney Rhodes (gasman) and Steve Lawrence (catch can). The team's pit crew coach is Greg Miller. With 11 races remaining, Michael Waltrip's crew leads the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship with 912 points, a 53-point lead over the second-place pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Elliott's team, which did not join the program until the fifth race of the season, is ninth with 777 points. The season pit crew champion will receive a $200,000 bonus.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (Aug. 31) Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway
Time ........ Car #
1. Bill Elliott Team 469.770... Seconds 9
2. Bobby Labonte Team 470.354 " 18
3. Elliott Sadler Team 471.403 " 38
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 472.043 " 8
5. Jamie McMurray Team 472.806 " 42
6. Greg Biffle Team 474.394 " 16
7. Kurt Busch Team 475.161 " 97
8. Jeff Burton Team 518.381 " 99
9. Jeff Green Team 532.100 " 1
10. Steve Park Team 543.187 " 30
#97 Crew Wins Pit Award at Bristol UPDATE: The pit crew for #97-Kurt Busch certainly played a part in his victory at Bristol this past Saturday night. Busch's crew won the weekly's McDonald's/POWERade Pit Crew Championship Award, worth $20,000. Busch's car spent 233.373 seconds in the pits, the lowest total among teams competing in this particular contingency program.(NASCAR PR)(8-27-2003)
UPDATE: Kurt Busch's team not only captured Saturday night's (Aug. 23) Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, but the pit crew for Busch's Ford Taurus also took home top honors in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. It was the second McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship victory for Busch's No. 97 pit crew in the past four races. The crew also won at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis. Each victory was worth $20,000. Busch's crew did an outstanding job in the pits during the thrilling 500-lap race on the historic .533-mile oval. The No. 97 Sharpie/Rubbermaid Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road - 233.373 seconds, nearly 40 seconds fewer than the second-place finisher - the No. 88 Dale Jarrett UPS Ford (272.851). Busch's over-the-wall crew consists of: Andy Thurman (front tire changer), Mark Full (front tire carrier), Kevin Gilman (rear tire changer), Jason Binger (rear tire carrier), Doug Newell (gasman), Scott Radel (jackman) and Jim Gaudette (catch can). The team's crew chief is Jimmy Fennig. In the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade season standings, Busch's pit crew is ranked third with 816 points, three behind the second-place pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Michael Waltrip's crew leads the chase with 891 points. The season pit crew champion will receive a $200,000 bonus.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Saturday's (Aug. 23) Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway
Time Car #
1. Kurt Busch Team 233.373 Seconds 97
2. Dale Jarrett Team 272.951 " 88
3. Jamie McMurray Team 288.044 " 42
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 345.467 " 8
5. Ken Schrader Team 395.812 " 49
6. Greg Biffle Team 400.573 " 16
7. Mike Skinner Team 452.174 " 01
8. Casey Mears Team 653.469 " 41
9. Tony Raines Team 672.414 " 74
10. Bill Elliott Team 846.716 " 9
(DMF Communications PR)(8-28-2003)
Biffle's Pit Crew Scores Victory at Michigan: Greg Biffle's pit crew captured its first win in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade by scoring the victory in Sunday's (Aug. 17) race at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). The victory, worth $20,000, was the result of Biffle's No. 16 Grainger Ford spending the least amount of time on pit road during the 220-lap, 400-mile race at MIS. Biffle's car, owned by Roush Racing, was on pit road for 206.124 seconds. The series point-leading pit crew - Michael Waltrip's team - finished second in Michigan (217.808) and Kurt Busch's team was third (228.306). "The Grainger Team has been working around the clock to improve all aspects of our program, and it's nice to see that their hard work is paying off on the track and on pit road," said Biffle, who posted a fourth-place finish at Michigan.. "They've done a great job all season and I'm really proud of their efforts. "Everything came together for us in Michigan and everyone on the team stepped up to the plate.. Our stops were awesome all day and we kept ourselves in position by making the right calls with adjustments, having solid pit strategy and of course having great pit stops.. My hats off to the guys and they definitely deserve this award." Biffle's over-the-wall crew consists of: Adam Emmert (front tire changer), John Gaynor (front tire carrier), Jeff Merkel (jackman), Mike Hillman (rear tire changer), T.J. Hamilton (rear tire carrier), Rodger Ueltschi (gasman) and Mike Abner (catch can). The team's crew chief is Randy Goss and Justin Hines handles the windshield duties.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (Aug. 17) GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway
................... Time ..... Car #
1. Greg Biffle Team. 206.124... Seconds 16
2. Michael Waltrip Team 217.808 " 15
3. Kurt Busch Team....... ...... 228.306 " 97
4. Sterling Marlin Team ...... 229.060 " 40
5. Jerry Nadeau Team 239.926 " 01
6. Robby Gordon Team ..... 242.533 ...... " 31
7. Jeff Burton Team ..... 243.414...... " 99
8. Jeff Green Team ..... 246.213 ...... " 1
9. Dale Jarrett Team ..... 246.443 " 88
10. Steve Park Team 250250 " 30
Elliott Sadler's Pit Crew Wins at Watkins Glen: Elliott Sadler's pit crew took home the first-place check of $20,000 for winning Sunday's (Aug. 10) McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Watkins Glen International. The victory was the first for Sadler's pit crew, which is ranked seventh in the overall McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship point standings. Sadler's team also became the 13th different pit crew winner in the first 22 NASCAR Winston Cup point races of the season. "The M&Ms pit crew works hard week in and week out to get the job done for me on pit road," said Sadler. "These days with competition as tight as it is, pit crews are essential to get valuable track position. Their jobs are as important as mine. I'm real proud they won at the Glen." Sadler's No. 38 M&Ms Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road at Watkins Glen International - 84.106 seconds. Bobby Labonte's Interstate Batteries Chevrolet was second with 85.287 and Casey Mears' Target Dodge was third with 86.504. Sadler's over-the-wall crew consists of: Dave Smith (front tire changer & car chief), Scott Wood (jackman), Kevin Hall (front tire carrier), Ray Holm (Rear Tire Changer), Paul Volk (rear tire carrier), Norman Koshimizu (gasman) and Danny Dickerson (catch can). The team's crew chief is Raymond Fox III.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (Aug. 10) Sirius at The Glen at Watkins Glen International
1. Elliott Sadler Team 84.106.... Seconds
2. Bobby Labonte Team 85.287 ...... "
3. Casey Mears Team ..... 86.504 "
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 86.566 "
5. Michael Waltrip Team ...... 86.914 "
6. Kurt Busch Team ...... 88.404 "
7. Scott Pruett Team 89.403 "
8. Robby Gordon Team ...... 89.772 "
9. Bill Elliott Team ...... 93.582 "
10. Greg Biffle Team 115.283 ...... "
(DMF Communications PR)(8-13-2003)
Kurt Busch's Team Grabs Pit Crew Honors at Indianapolis: In Sunday's (Aug. 3) 10th annual Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the pit crew of Kurt Busch's team captured the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. The victory paid the No. 97 crew $20,000 and lifted the team into fifth place in the season pit crew point standings. Busch's Roush Racing Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road - 196.331 seconds -- during the 400-mile race. Robby Gordon's Chevrolet was second - 219.670 and Bill Elliott's Dodge was third - 221.298. Busch's over-the-wall crew consists of: Andy Thurman (front tire changer), Mark Full (front tire carrier), Kevin Gilman (rear tire changer), Jason Binger (rear tire carrier), Doug Newell (gasman), Scott Radel (jackman) and Jim Gaudette (catch can). The team's crew chief is Jimmy Fennig. Michael Waltrip's pit crew continues to hold a commanding lead in the McDonald's/POWERade Drive-Thru Pit Championship standings with 794 points, 77 more than the second-place pit crew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. The season pit crew champion will receive a $200,000 bonus.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (Aug. 3) Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
1. Kurt Busch Team 196.331 Seconds
2. Robby Gordon Team 219.670 "
3. Bill Elliott Team 221.298 "
4. Jamie McMurray Team 223.315 "
5. Casey Mears Team 223.319 "
6. Jimmy Spencer Team 227.210 "
7. Bobby Labonte Team 232.689 "
8. Steve Park Team 246.644 "
9. Todd Bodine Team 247.362 "
10. Michael Waltrip Team 255.918 "(DMF Communications PR)(8-7-2003)
#8 crew wins Pocono Pit Crew competition: The weekly McDonald's/POWERade Drive-Thru Pit Championship was won by Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew at the Pocono 500. Earnhardt spent 240.375 seconds in the pits, the least amount of pit time among teams competing in the program. Michael Waltrip's crew still leads the competition over Earnhardt's second-place crew, while Robby Gordon's crew overtook Bobby Labonte's to move into third place by 12 points. In addition, the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Championship second quarter voting took place last weekend with Raybestos Rookie candidate #74-Tony Raines team collecting the most votes. Matt Kenseth's crew won the first quarter voting in the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Championship. Both teams are now eligible to win the $75,000 year-end award.(NASCAR PR)(7-30-2003)
UPDATE - Pit Crew For Earnhardt Jr. Wins In Pocono: The pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Sunday's (July 27) Pennsylvania 500 at. Pocono Raceway. It was the third time this season the No. 8 crew captured first-place honors. The team's other victories were at Las Vegas and Atlanta. Earnhardt's pit crew remains in second place in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship standings with 687 points, 73 behind Michael Waltrip's No. 15 pit crew. The season pit crew champion will receive a $200,000 bonus. Earnhardt's pit crew captured the Pocono win and the $20,000 first-place prize as a result of the team's Budweiser Chevrolet spending the least amount of time on pit road - 240.801 seconds. Second was Sterling Marlin's No. 40 Coors Light Dodge (253.308) and third was Waltrip's NAPA Chevrolet (260.860). "We've never been better on making the right calls and the right changes in the pits as we were today," said Earnhardt following the Pocono race. "The yellow flags helped us on gas mileage, but we had a great day in the pits." Earnhardt's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clark (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Jay Guarneri (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Bill Snyder (catch can). The team's crew chief is Tony Eury and the car chief is Tony Eury Jr.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (July 27) Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway
1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 240.801 Seconds
2. Sterling Marlin Team ...... 253.308 "
3. Michael Waltrip Team ...... 260.860 "
4. Todd Bodine Team 263.064 "
5. Jimmy Spencer Team ...... 283.327 "
6. Dave Blaney Team 290.229 "
7. Jeff Burton Team ..... 290.347 "
8. Tony Raines Team 324.483 "
9. Dale Jarrett Team ...... 326.682 "
10. Christian Fittipaldi Team 371.447 "
(DMF Communications PR)(7-31-2003)
Elliott's Pit Crew Takes Center Stage For Third Time: Bill Elliott's No. 9 pit crew showcased its fast and accurate skill again - winning the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Sunday's New England 300 in Loudon, N.H. It was the third time this season the No. 9 Dodge pit crew captured top honors and the $20,000 first-place prize that comes with winning the weekly McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship. The team's other wins were at Bristol (March 23) and Talladega (April 6). The only other pit crew to win three times is Michael Waltrip's No. 15 team. Elliott's No. 9 Dodge, owned by Ray Evernham Motorsports, totaled 165.612 seconds on pit road Sunday, nearly three seconds ahead of Robby Gordon's car (168.115). Kurt Busch's Ford was third with 175.217 seconds. Elliott's over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Colburn (jackman), Nick Bailey (front tire carrier), Jim Pohlman (front tire changer), Eric Wakeland (rear tire carrier), Joe Kruschek (rear tire changer), Rodney Rhodes (gasman) and Mike Goins (catch can). The team's crew chief is Mike Ford and the pit crew coach is Greg Miller. "These guys work hard every week," said Elliott. "It's a total team effort and that's what you need these days with the competition so close. Every position on the track counts and being able to pick up spots on pit road is important. My guys are doing a good job, and I'm proud of them. It's nice to see their efforts rewarded." Despite not joining the program until the fifth race of the season, Elliott's pit crew is ranked 11th in the season standings with 524 points. Waltrip's No. 15 crew continues to have a comfortable lead with 719 points. Dale Earnhardt Jr's crew is second with 644..

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (July 20 New England 300 at New Hampshire Int'l Speedway)
1. Bill Elliott Team 165.612. Seconds
2. Robby Gordon Team 168.115 "
3. Kurt Busch Team 175.217 "
4. Dale Jarrett Team 175.468 "
5. Tony Raines Team 191.540 "
6. Michael Waltrip Team 197.258 "
7. Dave Blaney Team 202.557 "
8. Bobby Labonte Team 212.518 "
9. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 214.413 "
10. Steve Park Team 222.943 "

(DMF Communications PR)(7-31-2003)
Pit-crew competition won by #15 crew: At the halfway point of the NASCAR Winston Cup season it appears that Michael Waltrip's pit crew is well on its way to collecting the $200,000 season bonus that goes to the champion of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. Waltrip's NAPA pit crew became the first team to win three McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championships this season when the No. 15 crew outscored the participating field in Sunday's Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Waltrip's #15 Chevrolet, owned by Dale Earnhardt Inc., spent the least amount of aggregate time off the track - 190.368 seconds. Jeff Burton's pit crew came in second with a time of 193.689 and Tony Stewart's crew was third at 225.375. The pit crew victory increased the lead for Waltrip's team. After 18 races, the No. 15 crew has a commanding lead with 681 points. Dale Earnhardt's pit crew is second with 609 points and Bobby Labonte's crew is third with 582. Waltrip's pit crew also leads in prize money with $60,000 collected -- $20,000 for each McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship victory. The team's other pit crew wins were at the season-opening Daytona 500 (Feb. 16) and at Dover (June 1). "The best part about leading this competition, is our team is just that - a team," said crew chief Richard "Slugger" Labbe, "The McDonald's/POWERade pit crew challenge is a great way for other people to see how this group has jelled since its inception. There are forty-some crew members that make up the NAPA team and only eight of them really ever get any credit for the success we've enjoyed this year. Those guys that make up the guts of the NAPA team put the everyday pieces into place, which allow the over-the-wall guys to excel in each of their positions. I am extremely proud of our over-the-wall team, but it's the overall effort that impresses me the most." The over-the-wall pit crew for Waltrip's team consists of: Brian Chase (jackman), Jeff Opal (gasman), Chris Crumley (front tire changer), Greg Osborne (rear tire changer), Shawn Ward (front tire carrier), Chad Walter (rear tire carrier) and Pete Rondeau (catch can).

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (July 13) Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway
1. Michael Waltrip Team 190.368. Seconds
2. Jeff Burton Team 193.689 "
3. Tony Stewart Team 225.375 "
4. Jeff Green Team 227.499 "
5. Ricky Rudd Team 236.183 "
6. Jamie McMurray Team 263.747 "
7. Jimmy Spencer Team 269.277 "
8. Greg Biffle Team 318.765 "
9. Elliott Sadler Team 336.530 "
10. Dave Blaney Team 344.995 "
(DMF Communications PR)(7-16-2003)
Jeff Burton's Team Claims Pit Crew Win in Daytona: The pit crew for Jeff Burton's #99 Citgo Ford joined a growing list of multiple winners of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE after claiming top honors in last week's NASCAR Winston Cup race at Daytona International Speedway. The #99 crew, which also collected the $20,000 first-place prize at the May 3 Richmond race, became the sixth team to win the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship twice during the first 17 point races of the season. The other two-time winners are: Michael Waltrip's Team, Dale Earnhardt Jr's Team, Bobby Labonte's Team, Robby Gordon's Team and Bill Elliott's Team. The fast and accurate performance by the #99 crew was key in Burton's second-place finish in Daytona. Burton's car spent 132.222 seconds on pit road. Elliott Sadler's M&M's Ford was second (132.659) and Earnhardt Jr's Chevrolet was third (134.002). "I am so proud of this team," said Burton.. "Every member has given 110% all year and that's what this team is all about." The #99 pit crew consists of Donnie Brown (front tire changer), Ryan Buscaglio (front tire carrier), Richard Boyles (rear tire changer), Chip Goode (rear tire carrier), Joe "Haas" Karasinski (gasman), Eric Slade (catch can) and David Cox (jackman). The windshield/drink person is Jason Myers and the crew chief is Paul Andrews.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (July 5) 400-mile race at Daytona International Speedway
1. Jeff Burton Team ..... 132.222 seconds
2. Elliott Sadler Team 132.659 ...... "
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 134.002 ...... "
4. Michael Waltrip Team 138.776 "
5. Bill Elliott Team ..... 154.093 ...... "
6. Bobby Labonte Team 157.495 ...... "
7. Tony Stewart Team 157.868 ...... "
8. Dale Jarrett Team ..... 163.328 . "
9. Jimmy Spencer Team 167.208 ....... "
10. Kyle Petty Team 172.366 ....... "
(DMF Communications PR)(7-9-2003)
Robby Gordon's Pit Crew Wins For Second Time After Outstanding Performance in Sonoma: Call it a double win for the #31 Cingular Wireless team during Sunday's (June 22) Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Winston Cup race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Team driver Robby Gordon won the race on the twisting 11-turn road course and his pit crew won the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE. "It took the entire Cingular Wireless team to win at Sonoma and the pit crew played a huge role in our victory," said Gordon. "Pit strategy and pit stops are huge at Sonoma and the guys came through for me when it counted.. They've been awesome all year long and they were really on top of their game Sunday. They helped pull the Cingular car into Victory Lane." Thanks to fast and accurate work by the Cingular Wireless pit crew, Gordon's car, owned by Richard Childress Racing, spent the least amount of time of pit road during Sunday's 110-lap race on the 1.949-mile road course. The total pit road elapsed time for the No. 31 Chevrolet was 104.101 seconds. Finishing second was the yellow #1 Pennzoil Chevrolet, driven by Ron Fellows, with a time of 107.361. Michael Waltrip's NAPA Chevrolet was third at 108.861. It was the second time this season that Gordon's pit crew collected the $20,000 first-place check for winning the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE. The team also won at Texas Motor Speedway (March 30). Gordon's over-the-wall crew consists of: Josh Yost (jackman), Shane Westerberg (front-tire changer), Mike Barry (front-tire carrier), Ron Otto (rear-tire changer), Jason Fowler (rear-tire carrier) Larry Hartle (gasman) and Rich Burgess (catch can). The team's crew chief is Kevin Hamlin. The No. 31 Cingular Wireless team is in third place in the McDonald's/POWERADE season pit crew standings. Michael Waltrip's pit crew continues to lead in the point standings and Dale Earnhardt Jr's team is second. Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (June 22) Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway
1. Robby Gordon Team 104.101 seconds
2. Jeff Green Team 107.361 "... (Ron Fellows drove in Sonoma)
3. Michael Waltrip Team 108.861 "
4. Jerry Nadeau Team 111.141 "... (Boris Said drove in Sonoma)
5. Bill Elliott Team 112.457 "
6. Elliott Sadler Team 116.581 "
7. Sterling Marlin Team 156.095 "
8. Jamie McMurray Team 164.438 "
9. Toddy Bodine Team 172.354 "
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 195.212 "
(DMF Communications PR)(6-25-2003)
Marlin's Pit Crew Wins at Michigan: The pit crew for Sterling Marlin's No. 40 Coors Light team grabbed top honors for the Michigan round of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. Marlin's pit crew earned $20,000 for the win and the victory moved the #40 crew into a fifth place tie in the overall McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship season point standings. Marlin's car, owned by Chip Ganassi Racing, spent the least amount of time on pit road during Sunday's Sirius 400 at Michigan International Speedway. The total pit time for the Coors Light Dodge was 188 seconds, four seconds fewer than Kurt Busch's race-winning Ford. "That's great - these guys really deserve the award," said Marlin, who posted a sixth-place finish in Michigan. "The Coors Light pit crew did a great job on pit road - they never messed up once and kept us out in front all day. I'm just sorry I lost the race for them. Just wait for Daytona, we'll have something for them there." The over-the-wall Coors Light pit crew consists of: Steven Wolfe (front tire changer), Trent Davis (front tire carrier), Mike Atwell (rear tire changer), Tim Shore (rear tire carrier), Greg Pasi (jackman), Jerry Schweitz (gasman) and Mike Motil (catch can). The crew chief is Lee McCall and the team trainer is Al Shuford.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (June 15) Sirius 400 at Michigan International Speedway
1. Sterling Marlin team 188 seconds
2. Kurt Busch Team 192 "
3. Bobby Labonte Team 193 "
4. Tony Stewart Team 202 "
5. Jack Sprague Team 217 "
6. Bill Elliott Team 228 "
7. Michael Waltrip Team 232 "
8. Casey Mears Team 256 "
9. Jeff Burton Team 267 "
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 274 "
(DMF Communications PR)(6-18-2003)
Todd Bodine's National Guard Crew Wins Pit Crew Title at Pocono: Round 14 of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by Powerade was won by the pit crew of Todd Bodine's #54 National Guard Ford. Bodine's Ford spent 237 seconds on pit road - the least amount of time for cars participating in the program during Sunday's (June 8) Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. Elliott Sadler's #38-M&M's Ford was second at 238 seconds and the race winning Home Depot Chevrolet of Tony Stewart was third with 250 seconds. The victory earned the National Guard crew $20,000, the amount that is paid to the weekly winning pit crew. After 14 races, the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE has paid out $280,000 to Winston Cup Teams. Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (June 8) Pocono 500 at Long Pond, Pa.
1. #54-Todd Bodine Team 237 seconds
2. #38-Elliott Sadler Team 238 "
3. #20-Tony Stewart Team 250 "
4. #40-Sterling Marlin Team 255 "
5. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 259 "
6. #9-Bill Elliott Team 290 "
7. #99-Jeff Burton Team 294 "
8. #15-Michael Waltrip Team 302 "
9. #77-Dave Blaney Team 307 "
10. #41-Casey Mears Team 312 "
(DMF Communications PR)(6-12-2003)
#15 Crew 'fastest' at Dover: By winning the Dover Winston Cup round of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade, the pit crew for Michael Waltrip's team expanded its points lead for the inaugural NASCAR championship, which pays $20,000 to the winning pit crew at each race and $200,000 to the pit crew that accrues the most points during the 36-race season.
Sunday's (June 1) performance was the second pit crew win of the season for Waltrip's team, which won the opening round of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship -- Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway. After 13 point races, Waltrip's crew holds a 43-point lead over the crew of Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Waltrip's pit crew claimed the Dover victory due to its car - the #15 NAPA Chevrolet - spending the least amount of time on pit road. The total time for Waltrip's car on pit road was 284 seconds, two fewer than the second-place Citgo Ford of Jeff Burton. Coming in third was the pit crew of Bobby Labonte, whose Interstate Batteries Chevrolet was clocked with 290 seconds on pit road.
During each 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup points event, the participating team whose car spends the least amount of aggregate time off the race track will be named the weekly winner of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE, provided the team's driver takes the green flag at the beginning of the event and the checkered flag at the conclusion of the event.. A timing line at the entrance and exit of pit road triggers the car's transponder and records the total time spent off the race track. The point distribution per race is: 43 points for first place, descending in increments of one.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (June 1) Armed Forces Family 400 at Dover
1. Michael Waltrip Team 284 seconds
2. Jeff Burton Team 286 "
3. Bobby Labonte Team 290 "
4. Bill Elliott Team 322 "
5. Mike Wallace Team* 332 "
6. Jamie McMurray Team 337 "
7. Robby Gordon Team 345 "
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 359 "
9. Tony Stewart Team 370 "
10. Todd Bodine Team 385 "
*substituting for the injured Jerry Nadeau

(DMF Communications PR)(6-5-2003)
#88 Wins Pit Crew Award at Lowe's: The pit crew for Dale Jarrett's No. 88 UPS Ford captured the $20,000 first-place prize by winning the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE at the recent Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. Jarrett's ninth-place finish at the 1.5-mile speedway was paved by the excellent performance of his over-the-wall pit crew for its fast and accurate performance during the rain-shortened race. The UPS/Robert Yates Racing Ford spent the least amount of time on pit road - 286 seconds, three seconds fewer than the pit crew of Michael Waltrip's team, which leads in the overall McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship point standings. Sterling Marlin's pit crew came in third - spending 290 seconds on pit road. "This is really great that our pit crew is being recognized by McDonald's and POWERADE," said Shawn Parker, crew chief for the No. 88 UPS team. "Everyone knows how important pit stops are to the overall performance of the team and I think our pit crew's performance is going to be particularly important when we're talking about getting the #88 UPS team turned around and back to where we are a contender for the win week-in and week-out. "Our pit crew was really key in Sunday's night's race. We were a lap down when that last pit stop took place and the UPS pit crew beat everyone else out of the pits before the rain came. We were 11th before that pit stop and came out 9th after the stop so it was really important in getting us a top-10 finish." The over-the-wall pit crew for the No. 88 team consists of John Bryan (jackman), Barry Price (gasman), Rick Coulson (catch can), Mike Trower (front tire changer), Darren Jolly (front tire carrier), Jason Sheets (rear tire changer) and Jeff Knight (rear tire carrier).
During each 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup points event, the participating team whose car spends the least amount of aggregate time off the race track will be named the weekly winner of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE, provided the team's driver takes the green flag at the beginning of the event and the checkered flag at the conclusion of the event.. A timing line at the entrance and exit of pit road triggers the car's transponder and records the total time spent off the race track. The team that records the most standing points during the season will receive a $200,000 bonus at the end of the year. The point distribution per race is: 43 points for first place, descending in increments of one. The McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE is the largest monetary contingency program in NASCAR history.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday night's (May 25) Coca-Cola 600

1. Dale Jarrett Team ..... 286 seconds
2. Michael Waltrip Team 289 "
3. Sterling Marlin Team 290 "
4. Dave Blaney Team 296 "
5. Jeff Green Team 297 "
6. Bobby Labonte Team 298 "
7. Jimmy Spencer Team 327 "
8. Todd Bodine Team 344 "
9. Kurt Busch Team 374 "
10. Bill Elliott Team 376 "
(DMF Communications PR)(5-29-2003)
Jeff Burton's Pit Crew Takes Top Honors In Richmond: The pit crew for #99-Jeff Burton claimed first place honors in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERADE in Saturday's (May 3) under-the-lights Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Burton's #99 Roush Racing Citgo Ford spent 199 seconds on pit road during the 400-lap event on the .75-mile oval. Burton's team nipped the crews for Tony Raines' Chevrolet (208 seconds) and Sterling Marlin's Dodge (209 seconds). Burton's pit crew collected $20,000 for the win. After 11 races, the DEI pit crews of Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr. continue to hold down the top-two standing positions for the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship, which will pay $200,000 to the season champion. Waltrip's pit crew leads the championship chase with 399 points, followed by Earnhardt's crew with 388. The pit crew of Robby Gordon's team is third with 366.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Saturday night's (May 3) Pontiac Excitement 400

1. Jeff Burton Team 199 seconds
2. Tony Raines Team 208 "
3. Sterling Marlin Team 209 "
4. Bobby Labonte Team 210 "
5. Dale Earnhardt Team 215 "
6. Bill Elliott Team 260 "
7. Michael Waltrip Team 263 "
8. Robby Gordon Team 323 "
9. Kurt Busch Team 324 "
10. Ken Schrader Team 381 "
(DMF Communications PR)(5-8-2003)
Bobby Labonte's Pit Crew Scores Second Straight Win: The pit crew of Bobby Labonte's No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet made it two-in-a-row by winning the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade in Sunday's (April 27) Auto Club 500 at California Speedway in Fontana. The #18 pit crew, led by crew chief Michael "Fatback" McSwain, also captured first-place honors at the previous NASCAR Winston Cup race - Virginia 500 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. Labonte's car, which finished second in the 500-mile California race, spent 216 seconds on pit road, edging the cars of race winner Kurt Busch (218 seconds) and John Andretti (220 seconds).
"The guys have really stepped up to the plate and it's showing," said McSwain. "We are all working so hard and I am glad to see the guys being recognized for their efforts on pit road. Without the good pit stops, Bobby doesn't have a chance to win races. And we have seen the last two weeks he has been right there in contention. Hopefully, the guys can keep up the pace and can win a couple more of these McDonald's pit crew awards before the season is over."
With the back-to-back wins, the Joe Gibbs Racing Interstate Batteries crew has earned $40,000 ($20,000 for each pit crew win) and has moved into seventh place in the overall pit crew point standings. The season champion of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade will receive a $200,000 bonus.
Labonte's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jason Lee (jackman), Todd Meredith. (front tire carrier), Mark Armstrong (front tire changer), Alan Copley (rear tire carrier), Barry Cook (rear tire changer), Jim Gilbert (gasman) and Donnie Ratledge Jr. (catch can). The car chief is Scott Zipadelli and the windshield duties are handled by Adam von Olhausen.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (April 27) Auto Club 500 at California Speedway
1. Bobby Labonte Team 216 seconds
2. Kurt Busch Team 218 "
3. John Andretti Team 220 "
4. Jamie McMurray Team 223 "
5. Elliott's Sadler Team 253 "
6. Greg Biffle Team 258 "
7. Michael Waltrip Team 260 "
8. Bill Elliott Team 284 "
9. Dave Blaney Team 315 "
10. Sterling Marlin Team 327 "(5-1-2003)
Tiebreaker Gives Bobby Labonte's Pit Crew First Place Prize in Martinsville: The Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway (April 13) marked the first time a tiebreaker criteria was needed to determine the race winner of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. #18-Bobby Labonte's and #38-Elliott Sadler's pit crews tied for top honors with each team's car spending 292 seconds on pit road - the least amount of time for participating teams of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship. Labonte's pit crew was named the winner and recipient of the $20,000 first-place check by virtue of having a higher finishing position in the race. Labonte's Joe Gibbs Racing Interstate Batteries Chevrolet finished second while Sadler's Robert Yates M&M's Ford was fifth. Labonte's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jason Lee (jackman), Todd Meredith. (front tire carrier), Mark Armstrong (front tire changer), Alan Copley (rear tire carrier), Barry Cook (rear tire changer), Jim Gilbert (gasman) and Donnie Ratledge Jr. (catch can). Michael McSwain is the team's crew chief and the car chief is Scott Zipadelli. The windshield duties are handled by Adam von Olhausen.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (April 13) Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway

1. Bobby Labonte Team 292 seconds
2. Elliott. Sadler Team 292..... "
3. Tony Stewart Team 299..... "
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Team 304 .... "
5. Ken Schrader Team 313..... "
6. Sterling Marlin Team 341 .... "
7. Kurt Busch Team 342..... "
8. Michael Waltrip Team 348 .... "
9. Jimmy Spencer Team 350..... "
10. Greg Biffle Team 351..... "
Bill Elliott's Pit Crew Wins Again, at Talladega: For the second time in the last three races, the crew of Bill Elliott's No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Intrepid captured the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. Elliott's crew took first place honors and the $20,000 check for eligible teams in Sunday's (April 6) Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway -- Round 8 of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship. Elliott's team, owned by Evernham Motorsports, also came in first at the Food City 500 -- March 23 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Elliott's car spent the least amount of time on pit road in Talladega -- 310 seconds, 18 less than the second place car of Sterling Marlin's No. 40 Coors Light Dodge. Elliott's over-the-wall crew consists of: Todd Colburn (jackman), Nick Bailey (front tire carrier), Jim Pohlman (front tire changer), Eric Wakeland (rear tire carrier), Joe Kruschek (rear tire changer), Rodney Rhodes (gasman) and Mike Goins (catch can). Mike Ford is the team director and Brady Turner handles the driver services. In the point standings, Elliott's team, which joined the program at the fifth race of the season in Darlington (March 16), is ranked 26th with 124 points.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's (April 6) Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway
1. Bill Elliott Team 310 seconds
2. Sterling Marlin Team 328..... "
3. Tony Raines Team 488..... "
4. Elliott Sadler Team 559..... "
5. Dale Jarrett Team ..... 640..... "
6. Robby Gordon Team 687..... "
7. Kurt Busch Team 850..... "
8. Kyle Petty Team 946..... "
9. Michael Waltrip Team 1321... "
10. Steve Park Team 1366... "(DMF Communications PR)(4-10-2003)
Robby Gordon's Pit Crew Finishes First in Texas: The crew of Robby Gordon's #31 Cingular Wireless Chevy was the Round 7 winner of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade during Sunday's (March 30) NASCAR Winston Cup race - Samsung/RadioShack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Gordon's team, owned by Richard Childress Racing, was declared the winner and the recipient of the $20,000 first prize money for spending the least amount of time (202 seconds) on pit road. Coming in second was another Richard Childress Racing entry - the #30 crew of Jeff Green's AOL Chevy. Green's car had a total time of 234 seconds on pit road. The win lifted Gordon's team into third place in the season point standings for the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams At Texas:
1. Robby Gordon, 202 seconds
2. Jeff Green, 234
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr.,. 238
4. John Andretti, 251
5. Jamie McMurray, 262
6. Jerry Nadeau, 270
7. Michael Waltrip, 309
8. Todd Bodine, 342
9. Jack Sprague, 372
10. Kurt Busch, 379
(DMF Communications PR)(4-2-2003)
#9 Team Fast in the Pits at Bristol: NASCAR says the crew for Evernham Motorsports' #9 Dodge driven by Bill Elliott captured Round 6 of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by Powerade in last Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Elliott spent 223 seconds on pit road to best the Robert Yates crew of Elliott Sadler's #38 Ford, which was second among the participating crews [not the #17 or #24 among others], at 247 seconds. Elliott's pit crew earned $20,000 for the victory. After six races, Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s #15 crew for Michael Waltrip leads the contest for the $200,000 season prize with 217 points, followed by DEI's #8 crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 203 points and DEI's #1 team for Steve Park with 199.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-27-2003)
#30 Fastest at Darlington: The pit crew of the #30 AOL Jeff Green Chevy, owned by Richard Childress Racing, took first-place honors for eligible teams in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Sunday's (March 16) NASCAR Winston Cup Race - Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington Raceway. Green spent the least amount of time on pit road -- 286 seconds, edging Kurt Busch's #97 Roush Racing Ford by three seconds.

Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's Carolina Dodge 400 at Darlington Raceway:
1. Jeff Green, 286 seconds
2. Kurt Busch, 289
3. Michael Waltrip, 289
4. Elliott Sadler, 291
5. Dave Blaney, 295
6. Bill Elliott, 296
7. Dale Jarrett, 300
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 339
9. Ricky Rudd, 344
10. Steve Park, 364(DMF Communications PR)(3-20-2003)
#8 Crew 'Fastest' at Atlanta: Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s crew for the #8 Budweiser Chevy driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by Powerade for the second consecutive week. NASCAR says Earnhardt Jr. spent 288 seconds in the pits on his way to finishing third in Sunday's Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 to lead all participating teams. Race winner Bobby Labonte was in the pits for 318 seconds, the second-best time among eligible teams. The victory was worth $20,000 to Earnhardt's team.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-12-2003)
#8 Team fast in the pits at Vegas: The pit crew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. won Round 3 of the "McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade" last Sunday at the UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Earnhardt spent only 225 seconds in the pits, edging his Dale Earnhardt Incorporated teammate Michael Waltrip by 12 seconds. The victory was worth $20,000 to Earnhardt's team. Waltrip's crew leads the program's overall standings. The program's year-end champions receive $200,000. (NASCAR PR), sorry, have not seen the standings anywhere.(3-6-2003)
#77 Team wins McDonald’s Drive-Thru Pit Crew Challenge at Rockingham: The crew of Dave Blaney, the #77 Jasper Engines & Transmissions Ford, won Round 2 of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Sunday's Subway 400 at North Carolina Speedway. Blaney's crew spent 223 seconds in the pits to edge the crew of Kurt Busch by four seconds to earn the weekly $20,000 prize.(NASCAR PR)(2-26-2003)
#15 Team wins McDonald’s Drive-Thru Pit Crew Challenge at Daytona: NASCAR announced last week that the #15 NAPA race team had won the McDonald’s Drive-Thru Pit Crew Challenge Fueled by POWERade contingency award. The #15 Chevrolet pit crew topped off an amazing performance with three pit stops measuring less than seven seconds in speed. The NAPA squad posted times of 6.45 sec for a right-side two-tire change, 5.67 sec for a left-side two-tire change and a 3.91-sec for a gas-and-go stop.(DEI Site), no word on who won Rockingham.(2-26-2003)
McDonald's, Powerade Join Forces To Reward, Recognize NASCAR Pit Crews BUT: McDonald's, the official Drive Thru of NASCAR, and POWERade, the official sports drink of NASCAR, have teamed to sponsor an award program that celebrates the unsung heroes in NASCAR's three major racing series - Cup, BGN and CTS. The McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade will offer prize money in excess of $1.2 million during the 2003 season, making it the largest monetary contingency program in NASCAR history and the first season points championship for pit crew teams. The program will award $20,000 per week to the top-performing participating NASCAR Winston Cup Series pit crew. In addition, results will be tabulated throughout the season to determine the program's championship crew, which will take home $200,000. During each 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup points event, the participating crew whose car spends the least amount of aggregate time off the race track will be named the weekly winner provided their driver took the green flag at the beginning of the event and checkered flag at the conclusion of the event. The winning crew each week will receive $20,000 and a traveling trophy to proudly display during the next event. Following every race, participating crews will be ranked in order of pit performance, with 43 points going to the top finisher, descending to one point for the last-place team. The crew with the highest cumulative score at season's end will win the annual championship and take home a $200,000 prize. NASCAR will measure times using the official scoring transponders that monitor the cars on the track. A timing line at the entrance and exit to pit road will trigger the transponders and record the total time each car spends off the race track. Fans can keep track of their favorite crew's performance during Winston Cup television broadcasts, which will feature a pre-race recap of the previous week's competition and review of official standings, a mid-race update and a post-race announcement. Points determining weekly and year-end awards will be based on a combination of qualifying position, pit stops and finishing order.(McDonald's PR, NASCAR.com adds "participating crews" meaning those who choose to particpate in the program)(2-15-2003)
However: the Winston Salem Journal reports.......NASCAR's new pit-crew competition has a flaw this season: the man with the fastest pit crew on the stock-car tour, Matt Kenseth, has sponsorship contracts with Gatorade, a Pepsi product. The NASCAR pit-crew competition is sponsored by rival Coca-Cola and PowerAde. So when NASCAR releases weekly standings, Kenseth's team isn't included, which makes the award competition all but useless. In fact, according to one report, Kenseth was so displeased in Victory Lane at Las Vegas when Coca-Cola sponsorship promoters put bottles of PowerAde on his car that he deliberately knocked them all off.(Winston Salem Journal), wonder waht Jeff Gordon will do? and also of note, there are a few contingency awards that are like this, such as the Bud Pole award, a team must carry the Bud sticker to get thee award, the Petty teams [#43, 44 and 45] do not and some teams do not carry the USG sticker for the USG Driver of the Race. See my Pit Crew Chart for the pit crews.(3-11-2003)

2003 Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew competition
#9 Team WINS: Evernham Motorsports’ No. 9 Dodge Squad Set New World Record In 2003 Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition. A new world record paced the field of the 36th Annual Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition today at North Carolina Speedway. Bill Elliott’s crew, led by crew chief Mike Ford, changed four tires and added two cans of fuel in a world record time of 16.725 seconds. This year’s champions bested the exiting world record by .098 seconds. In addition to $30,000 awarded to the pit crew champs, the team received a $10,000 bonus for setting the new world record. Evernham Motorsports owner Ray Evernham won the world pit crew title in 1994 as a crew chief, but this is his first title as a Winston Cup owner.
“There is a big difference from winning as a crew chief because then I had a lot to do with it. This time I didn’t have much to do with it other than stand there and watch the guys,” Evernham said. “This really goes to Greg Miller and Mike Ford and the guys that work so hard on the pit crew. What is really neat is that I knew that winning the title was something they really wanted to do and was a goal they set several months ago and here they sit today. I’m really proud of them.”
Today Elliott drove for his third world championship team (he has two prior wins in 1990 and 1997) but is quick to point out that the crew, not the driver, is what the 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition is all about.
“They did what they had to do and I’m proud of them,” Elliott said of his crew. “I was just along for the ride. I’m just so proud of these guys and what they’ve put into it, and so appreciative of 76 the past number of years. These guys put in the practice the effort every day to be the best pit crew and it makes my job easier. I see how hard these guys work and the amount of pressure they are under. They do a great job.”
Crew chief Mike Ford led the crew to the title, keeping the crew focused on the prize along with pit crew trainer Greg Miller.
“The bar keeps being raised and we knew coming into this year that in order to win we’d need to set a new world record. We said all week long that if we came in and had a good solid pit stop without making any mistakes that we’d have a solid shot at it. Greg does a great job getting the guys prepared not only for this competition but every Sunday. They deserve this. They’ve had excellent pit stops for the last few races and they were able to get focused for a one stop deal today.”

The over the wall members that make up the #9 Dodge Squad include:

Jim Pohlman (front changer)
Joe Kruschek (rear changer)
Todd Colburn (jack man)
Rodney Rhodes (gas man)
Steve Lawrence (catch can)
Nick Bailey (front carrier)
Eric Wakeland (rear carrier).

The remaining crews in the top five of the 36th Annual 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition include the crew of #5 Kellogg’s/Hendrick Motorsports, #17 DeWalt/Roush Racing, #19 Dodge Dealers/Evernham Motorsports and #29 GM Goodwrench/Richard Childress Racing.(Elevation Group PR)(11-8-2003)

The Pit Crew Competition will be televised on NBC, November 30th at 1:00pm/et.(11-8-2003)
THE RESULTS: The No. Dodge Dodge Dealers Dodge team with driver Bill Elliott and crew chief Mike Ford won Saturday's Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition with a time of 16.725. The team set a new world record and gave Ray Evernham his first owner's pit crew championship:

Fin No Driver Crew Chief Team Base Time Penalty Net Time Remarks
1 9 Bill Elliott Mike Ford Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge 16.725 0.00 16.725 None
2 5 Terry Labonte Jim Long Kellogg's/got milk? Chevrolet 17.315 0.00 17.315 None
3 17 Matt Kenseth Robbie Reiser DeWalt Ford 17.456 0.00 17.456 None
4 19 Jeremy Mayfield Ken Francis Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge 17.667 0.00 17.667 None
5 29 Kevin Harvick Todd Berrier GM Goodwrench Chevrolet 18.599 0.00 18.599 None
6 2 Rusty Wallace Bill Wilburn Miller Lite Dodge 18.792 0.00 18.792 None
7 32 Ricky Craven Scott Miller Tide Pontiac 16.727 3.00 19.727 1 right rear lug nut
8 16 Greg Biffle # Doug Richert Grainger Ford 20.231 0.00 20.231 None
9 48 Jimmie Johnson Chad Knaus Lowe’s Chevrolet 20.643 0.00 20.643 None
10 20 Tony Stewart Greg Zipadelli Home Depot Chevrolet 18.189 3.00 21.189 1 left rear lug nut
11 12 Ryan Newman Matt Borland ALLTEL Dodge 18.300 3.00 21.300 1 right front lug nut
12 88 Dale Jarrett Shawn Parker UPS Ford 18.378 3.00 21.378 1 right front lug nut
13 38 Elliott Sadler Todd Parrott M&M's Ford 18.602 3.00 21.602 1 left rear lug nut
14 40 Sterling Marlin Lee McCall Coors Light Dodge 18.804 3.00 21.804 1 left front lug nut
15 99 Jeff Burton Paul Andrews CITGO Ford 18.930 3.00 21.930 1 right rear lug nut
16 31 Robby Gordon Kevin Hamlin Cingular Wireless Chevrolet 19.170 3.00 22.170 1 right front lug nut
17 24 Jeff Gordon Robbie Loomis DuPont Chevrolet 17.855 6.00 23.855 2 right front lug nuts
18 97 Kurt Busch Jimmy Fennig Rubbermaid Ford 17.994 6.00 23.994 1 left front lug nut; 1 right front
19 15 Michael Waltrip Richard Labbe NAPA Chevrolet 18.364 6.00 24.364 1 right rear lug nut; 1 left rear
20 6 Mark Martin Pat Tryson Viagra Ford 21.503 3.00 24.503 1 right rear lug nut
21 42 Jamie McMurray # Donnie Wingo Havoline Dodge 21.424 6.00 27.424 1 right front lug nut; 1 right rear
22 22 Scott Wimmer Frank Stoddard Caterpillar Dodge 19.034 9.00 28.034 2 right rear lug nuts; 1 left front
23 18 Bobby Labonte Michael McSwain Interstate Batteries Chevrolet 19.591 9.00 28.591 2 right rear lug nuts; 1 right front
24 8 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tony Eury Sr. Budweiser Chevrolet 20.644 21.00 41.644 4 left front lug nuts; 3 right front

Fin No Driver Crew Chief Team Winnings
1 9 Bill Elliott Mike Ford Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge $40,000
2 5 Terry Labonte Jim Long Kellogg's/got milk? Chevrolet $15,000
3 17 Matt Kenseth Robbie Reiser DeWalt Ford $12,000
4 19 Jeremy Mayfield Ken Francis Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge $9,000
5 29 Kevin Harvick Todd Berrier GM Goodwrench Chevrolet $6,000
6 2 Rusty Wallace Bill Wilburn Miller Lite Dodge $5,000
7 32 Ricky Craven Scott Miller Tide Pontiac $4,000
8 16 Greg Biffle # Doug Richert Grainger Ford $3,500
9 48 Jimmie Johnson Chad Knaus Lowe’s Chevrolet $3,000
10 20 Tony Stewart Greg Zipadelli Home Depot Chevrolet $2,500

(from the North Carolina Speedway site)(11-8-2003)
2003 Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew competition: will be held at Noth Carolina Speedway today at 3:30pm/et or after the Busch Series race, No word if it will be televised after the race ot shown at a later date, last year TNT aired it after the season..
Not sure if I will get any results today, but here is the order the teams will go out in the competition:
#'s 99,17,5,2,16,18,31,32,24,88,12,15,40,22,8,20,42,6,38,9,97,48,19,29 - 24 teams, the #21 team dropped out.(XM Satellite - NASCAR Radio - sub required)(11-8-2003)
Wood Brother's team skips Pit Crew Competition: Twenty-four of the 25 teams eligible for the Union 76-Rockingham Pit Crew Competition have entered the event, scheduled for Saturday afternoon at North Carolina Speedway [the top 25 teams in Owners Points are eligible]. The #21 Wood Brothers Racing crew is the only group that did not enter the competition, after making a crew chief change this week with Roush Racing, which entered Mark Martin's crew, led by Pat Tryson.(NASCAR.com)(11-6-2003)
2003 Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition Pit Road Champion Will Be Crowned At NCS: The quest for a championship in the 2003 Winston Cup season isn’t limited to Sunday races. Pit crews, rather than drivers, are in the spotlight November 8, 2003, at North Carolina Speedway for the 36th annual 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition. The purse for this year’s event is $100,000, with $30,000 going to the winning team. Setting a new world record will result in a $10,000 bonus.
Reigning champion – winning consecutively in 2001 and 2002 – is Roush Racing’s No. 17 DeWalt pit crew for current Winston Cup points leader Matt Kenseth. The DeWalt crew bettered their own world record last year by .862 seconds, becoming the first crew to break the 16-second barrier since teams began changing four tires. The current world record, and the time teams will aim to beat in 2003, is 16.823 seconds.
Pit crews have made tremendous gains over the years while shortening the amount of time they spend completing a typical pit stop of four tires and fuel. The advances in equipment and training have happened steadily over the past 36 years, but the root of today’s pit stop as is witnessed each week can be accredited to racing pioneers the Wood Brothers.
As The Wood Brothers both organized and revolutionized pit road, 76 brand gasoline realized the importance of the pit crews and as a result developed the Union 76 / Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition. Beginning 36 years ago in 1967, Union 76 proudly crowned the first world championship pit crew. Leonard Wood and his Wood Brothers crew were the first champions, changing two tires in 21.992 seconds.
Since 1967, the Union 76 World Pit Crew Competition has been the only NASCAR sanctioned pit crew contest on the circuit. Giving world-class pit crews a time to shine, this event rewards the best of the best with the coveted ‘World Championship Pit Crew’ title. Held annually during the fall race weekend at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, the object of the competition is for each crew in the top 25 in points to empty 14 gallons of 76 Gasoline into the car (two cans holding seven gallons each) and change both left- and right-side tires in as short a time as possible. Time penalties are assessed for various infractions including loose lug nuts, fuel spills and fuel left in the gas can. The team with the fastest time becomes the new world champion.
Today’s Winston Cup pit crews have refined their performance to an art. Undertaking such activities as mental drills, extensive workouts and cross training are just some of the ways teams reach for perfection. Numerous teams employ full-time physical trainers in order to build the best pit crew.
Past champions of this elite event include such notable teams as Joe Gibbs Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Petty Enterprises. Richard Childress Racing has won the event a record five times and Wood Brothers organization won four times [but will not compete this year]. Roush Racing holds two titles with the No. 17 DeWalt team, but three 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Championships overall. The crew for the late seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, led by crew chief Kirk Shelmerdine, won four titles in a row from 1985-88.(Elevation Motorsports PR)(11-4/7-2003)
Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition at the Rock: Pit crews, rather than drivers, are in the spotlight November 8, 2003, at North Carolina Speedway for the 36th annual 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition. The purse for this year's event is $100,000, with $30,000 going to the winning team. Setting a new world record will result in a $10,000 bonus. Reigning champion - winning consecutively in 2001 and 2002 - is Roush Racing's #17 DeWalt pit crew for current Winston Cup points leader Matt Kenseth. The DeWalt crew bettered their own world record last year by .862 seconds, becoming the first crew to break the 16-second barrier since teams began changing four tires. The current world record, and the time teams will aim to beat in 2003, is 16.823 seconds. Since 1967, the Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Competition has been the only NASCAR sanctioned pit crew contest on the circuit. Giving world-class pit crews a time to shine, this event rewards the best of the best with the coveted 'World Championship Pit Crew' title. Held annually during the fall race weekend at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, the object of the competition is for each crew in the top 25 in points to empty 14 gallons of 76 Gasoline into the car (two cans holding seven gallons each) and change both left- and right-side tires in as short a time as possible. Time penalties are assessed for various infractions including loose lug nuts, fuel spills and fuel left in the gas can. The team with the fastest time becomes the new world champion.(North Carolina Speedway PR)(10-21-2003)

other 2003 Pit Crew News
CHARTS: Jayski's Silly Season Site - Pit Crew Chart Page, the over the wall gangs of the FULL TIME (25+ races) Winston Cup Teams, would add part time teams if I get the info
Instructor Injured: A pit crew instructor was hit by a car Tuesday while training in Mooresville. Authorities say Lance Munksgord sustained a broken shoulder and leg after getting knocked about 60 feet. The accident happened behind a training building where the pit crew was practicing. As the truck [not car] approached, the crew jumped the wall, but the it didn't stop. Munksgord is the pit coach for three different race teams at Ultra Motor Sports.(WSOCTV.com)(11-5-2003)
AND it was actually a truck that hit Munksgord as the #2 team was doing pit stop practice when the accident happened. The brakes failed on the truck. The tire changer got around the front, Munksgord was carrying the front tire and got hit. He was released from the hospital the night that the accident happened with a broken shoulder, right arm and right leg and some miscellaneous stiches. Get well Lance!(11-6-2003)
Crew Chiefs Looking: seems to be quite a few crew chiefs available and out there looking at oppurtunities in NASCAR:
James Ince parted ways with the #10 MBV team is is activly looking for a new team
Marc Reno will leave #09 Cup/#1 Busch Phoenix Racing teams at the end of the year
Tony Liberati of the pretty much closed up #92 Herzog-Jackson Busch team is looking around and has some irons in the fire.
Robert Barker who is on a leave of absence from the #77 Jasper Motorsports team is in the rumor mill too [see below](10-21-2003)
#32 Crew Gets $700 From Benny: The seven PPI Motorsports crewmen who go over the wall to service the No. 32 Tide Pontiac received a very special award prior to the start of the Sylvania 300 last weekend. NBC/TNT announcer Benny Parsons presented the crew with a check for $700, or $100 per crewman. When Parsons was at PPI's shops last week to interview team members for an unrelated piece that was to air during the New Hampshire race broadcast, he was shown a replay of one of the Tide crew's pit stops from the recent race at Richmond International Raceway. The videotape showed the Tide crew performing a four-tire pit stop in 12.9 seconds. Parsons has an ongoing "wager" with all NASCAR Winston Cup teams, in which any crew that completes a four-tire stop in under 13 seconds receives $100 per man. What did Parsons say about forking over the cash? "I guess I'll have to keep a closer eye on these guys."(PPI Motorsports PR)(9-18-2003)
All-Star Crew: Every sport names its All-Star teams, so why not NASCAR? FoxSports/Sporting News Insider Lee Spencer surveyed countless folks, some with grease under their fingernails, others with manicures, and came up with a team of the best people at key positions on race day. See the chart at FoxSports: Roush puts three on Sporting News' All-Star crew.(9-23-2003)
#48 Looking.... Ryan Pepe, the rear tire changer for the #48 Lowe's Chevy driven by Jimmie Johnson, tore an ACL and is likely out for the year. The team will be looking for a replacement. Get well Ryan. AND any tire changers with Winston Cup experience looking.... Please contact the folks at www.racecityresumes.com they are currently receiving many inquires from CUP Teams looking for experienced tire changers. Also see other job sites on my Racing Schoools/Jobs page.(7-8-2003)
New Car Chief for the #38 and #24 crew changes: Since #38 Elliott Sadler lost his car chief to the #88 team [as crew chief, Shawn Parker], Sadler has just one top-ten finish in the last five races. Former Roush Racing and Hendrick Motorsports crewman Dave Smith has joined the M&M's team as car chief and front tire changer to help the #38 return to contention. "It was something that I wanted to do so I think that was the easiest decision," Smith said. "It's close to the house, but it's still that shot at winning the championship. If we get Elliott in Victory Lane and get him winning some races and win a championship, it'll be more gratifying than with Jeff (Gordon) because he's won so much."
"We were lucky enough to get Dave to come over, and he's got some great experience," Sadler said. "He'd been with Matt Kenseth for a while and with the 24. Very young, seems very eager and optimistic and I think he knows what he's doing."(FSN's Totally NASCAR)
AND - so who replaces Smith at the #24? Rear tire changer David Smith left the DuPont team after the Sonoma race to become the car chief for #38-Elliott Sadler. Smith, who departed Matt Kenseth's team for Hendrick Motorsports after the 2002 season, joins his third race team in less than seven months. Smith will be replaced by Adam Davis on Jeff Gordon's pit crew. Davis was formerly a tire changer for Joe Nemechek's Winston Cup team. Davis, 24, came to Hendrick Motorsports after spending last season with Petty Enterprises. He was a tire changer on Kyle Petty's car in 2002. Prior to entering the NASCAR world, Davis attended High Point University in North Carolina on a soccer scholarship. He holds a degree in sports medicine. In addition to his pit crew duties, Davis will continue his role as a mechanic for HMS.(Jeff Gordon Online)(7-5-2003)
One of the most frequently asked questions by race fans is, "How can I get a job on a pit crew?" see a good column: PIT wants to help crews be race-ready by Lee Spencer (5-25-2003)
Kenseth's crew wins Mechanix honor: The pit crew for Matt Kenseth's #17 DeWalt Ford, the world championship-winning crew in 2001 and 2002, has been named the first quarter winner of the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew of the Year Award. At season's end, the overall winning crew gets $75,000.(NASCAR PR)(5-21-2003)
Pit Instruction and Training: Pit Instruction and Training, L.L.C. (PIT) announces the acquisition of 5 Off 5 On Race Team Performance in Mooresville, N.C. 5 Off 5 On specializes in training pit crew personnel and offers reality experience packages. Principles from PIT involved in the acquisition include Tom DeLoach, former CFO of Mobil Corporation and President of Global Midstream, Michael Dryman, founder and CEO of IMPACTSports and Jeff Hammond, former NASCAR Winston Cup championship crew chief and current analyst for NASCAR on FOX. The founder of 5 Off 5 On, Breon Klopp, will continue with the organization as Senior Director of Motorsports Development. In addition to training teams and pit crew personnel, 5 Off 5 On also offers a school for those interested in becoming pit crew members. 5 Off 5 On also offers corporate and fan based reality experience packages including special programs for youth. PIT will begin construction of a 24,000 sq. ft. building on 5.5 acres located adjacent to the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC. after finalizing the investor group. The PIT facility will feature a state-of-the-art physical conditioning and rehabilitation facility, multi-purpose training room, therapy room, steam room, motorsports training shop, 98-person auditorium, merchandise shop, locker rooms, catering kitchen, classrooms, offices and more. The PIT campus will include a 1/4-mile track and pit road with six pit stalls, eight-lane competitive running and jogging track, 1/2-mile natural terrain fitness trail, regulation beach volleyball court, natural turf multi-sport training area and 15 garage stalls to store and maintain racing vehicles and equipment. Those interested in pit crew training, a reality based experience or investment opportunities should call (704)799-3869.(Byrnes Enterprises PR)(5-12-2003)
#31 Tire Changer Back: Jason Fowler, the rear tire carrier for Robby Gordon's team, nearly sliced off his finger while making repairs to the #31 car in Bristol. After sitting out a week, Totally NASCAR checked on his progress in Talladega. "Actually the finger is doing really well," Fowler said. "I can really bend it. I've got more movement in it. I really don't have much feeling in the side right now but I've got more feeling in the bottom. In pit practice this week, I could bend it just fine." Fowler will be back in action Sunday at Martinsville(Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR)(4-9-2003)
New Tire Changer for the #12 and the #16: been told that Dennis Terry has left the #16 Roush Racing team as the front tire changer and moved to the #12 Penske Racing Dodge team. Mike Hillman [not the #11 Crew Chief] will change rear tires on the #16 with car chief, Adam Emmertt moving from the rear to be the new front tire changer. See my Pit Crew Chart for most the full time Cup Pit Crew members.(3-12-2003)
Crew personnel getting too expensive? In the escalating battles among car owners to hire away crewmen from rivals, Richard Childress says the bidding war in the NASCAR garage for aerodynamicists, engineers, fabrication specialists and pit crew men is getting way out of hand. Anyone is fair game in this struggle. DEI just hired two key pit-road men from the Woods; RYR hired away a key aerodynamicist from Childress; and Childress just hired an excellent fabrication-shop guy away from DEI. "Hey, this is a major-league sport," Greg Zipadelli, Tony Stewart's crew chief, says. "You've got to take care of your players."
"It's bad, and we're our own worst enemies, because the salaries have been pushed sky-high," Childress says. "Some salaries have skyrocketed, because of someone trying to hire someone else. Everybody is after the (fabrication) guys now. When you lose somebody, you've got to replace them, and it usually winds up costing you more. The price of this sport keeps going up."(Winston Salem Journal)(2-17-2003)
#28 Crew Elected NAPCM 2002 Season Pit Crew of the Year: The National Association of Pit Crew Members has announced that the NASCAR Winston Cup Robert Yates Racing #28 Texaco Havoline Crew has been elected the NAPCM 2002 Season Pit Crew of the Year. The online election was held at the NAPCM website, www.napcm.com, during the 2002 season. Cambria Laveck Padgett, Director of Member Services for the NAPCM had this to say, "The #28 Texaco/Havoline Crew sure earned this award. It was a tough season for Ray, Bobby and the rest of the #28 crew yet they consistently performed sub 14 and 15 second pit stops. Those guys are always lightening fast and a great group of competitors." In recognition of the award the #28 Crew will receive a NAPCM "Pit Crew of the Year" award packet including items from participating sponsor Mechanix Wear. To vote for the 2003 Season NAPCM Pit Crew of the Year or to learn more about the National Association of Pit Crew Members, visit the Pit Crew Club at www.napcm.com.(PR)(1-18-2003)
Crew Chiefs Looking: Veteran crew chief Tommy Morgan is also entertaining job offers for Cup, BGN, or the Truck Series. He may be contacted at (704) 662-2922 AND Veteran crew chief Sandy Jones is currently seeking an opportunity to return to the Busch Series. With 9 victories to his credit, including 5 with Elliott Sadler, Jones ran the Dodge test program in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2001-2002. Interested parties may contact Sandy at (828) 478-5888.(BGN Racing site)(1-11-2003)
Pemberton back to Roush? UPDATE: Where will Robin Pemberton, who recently split with Petty Enterprises, end up? Insiders are betting on his returning to the Jack Roush camp, where he once starred during Mark Martin's early days on the tour.(Winston Salem Journal)(1-9-2003)
UPDATE: Robin Pemberton's surprising split with Kyle Petty earlier this week, apparently after Pemberton was overruled on two engineers [supposedly from Penske] he wanted to hire. Those men wound up at Joe Gibbs, but where Pemberton might go is unclear.(Winston Salem News Journal)(1-10-2003)

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