Bill Elliott Racing announced the following organizational changes: Citing personal reasons Joe Garone has resigned as crew chief. Jerry Pitts, who served as advisor to the crew chief, has been named interim crew chief, overseeing the #94 McDoanld’s Drive-Thru Ford. Team engine builder Ernie Elliott will have additional responsibilities in his new role as race track performance supervisor. Pitts joined Bill Elliott Racing in 1998 as crew chief of the #13 Ford Taurus. Before entering the NASCAR Winston Cup series in 1995 for Bahari Racing, Pitts served as crew chief in the Craftsman Truck and Southwest Tour series. He is a native of Bakersfield, Calif. Ernie Elliott has long been regarded as one of the premier engine builders and has provided the power for his brother’s race cars for all but three seasons (1992-94) in Bill’s 24-year career. Ernie also served as his brother’s crew chief for 13 seasons (1976-86 and 1988-89). During Ernie’s tenure as crew chief, Bill won 26 races and the 1988 Winston Cup series championship. Ernie resides in Dawsonville, Ga. Garone, was named crew chief on Elliott’s car following the 1997 season(McDonald’s Team PR)
