Brett Bodine’s Crew Chief Quits before the race, goes to the #14 UPDATE 3: The crew chief for Bodine’s #11 Ford, Mike Hillman, quit the team 90 minutes prior to the race. Bodine is making decisions and negotiate his way through race strategy as his own crew chief through the 200 laps of today’s Daytona 500. Hillman has been with Bodine since mid-point of the 2000 season and is believed to be moving to the #14 AJ Foyt Pontiac team with driver Stacy Compton.(NASCAR.com)(2-17-2002) UPDATE: Mike Hillman, crew chief for Brett Bodine’ Winston Cup team, is moving to the #14 Pontiac’s of the A.J. Foyt organization beginning with next weekend’ race at Rockingham. Hillman has been with the team since June 2000. Bodine has been unable to secure a primary sponsor for his team and does not know how long his team will remain in operation.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-17-2002) UPDATE 2: Facing an uncertain future at Brett Bodine Racing, crew chief Mike Hillman left the team after Sunday’ Daytona 500 and started work Monday morning at A.J. Foyt Racing as the crew chief for driver Stacy Compton’ #14 Conseco Pontiac’s. Hillman told Bodine of his decision four hours before the biggest race of the season, as soon as he arrived at the garage. Hillman was concerned Bodine would hear a rumor in the garage of his impending departure rather than from Hillman himself. Donnie Brown, who had been serving as Compton’ crew chief remains with Foyt’ team. Bodine’ team continues to search for sponsorship, but a team spokesperson said they were not planning to miss any races. Dura Lube, a longtime supporter of the sport through team and race sponsorships, joined BBR for Daytona, Rockingham and Las Vegas. For this weekend’ race at Rockingham, Bodine will rely on personnel within his own team — which includes Hillman’ son Mike Jr., Bodine’ rear tire changer and car chief — and an outside consultant to engineer his program.(NASCAR.com)(2-21-2002) UPDATE 3: Veteran crew chief Doug Richert will take over as interim crew chief for Brett Bodine’s #11 Ford. Bodine said Richert will lead the team for the next few races.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(2-22-2002)
