The McDonald’s NASCAR Racing Team and owner/driver Bill Elliott will pack a new item when filling their suitcases for the 1999 season-opening Daytona 500, Feb. 14, at Daytona. As a result of an off-season facelift, the McDonald’s team brings a very important intangible teammate as it packs for Daytona a new attitude. Not only did the McDonald’s #94 Ford Taurus obtain a stylish new appearance, the team roster also underwent major changes during the winter months. Heading the list of personnel changes is Eddie D’Hondt, who was promoted to general manager after just two months as team manager of Elliott’s #13 team. He oversees the daily business operations of the Bill Elliott Racing organization and will also serve as tire specialist on race weekends. In addition to administrative restructuring, the Drive-Thru Crew sports a new foundation. Of the seven over-the-wall crew members, four are new to the McDonald’s Drive-Thru Crew since last season. Of the seven members who began the 1998 Winston Cup season, only crew chief/front tire changer Joe Garone remains on the 1999 Drive-Thru Crew
