Davis on Baldwin and Stoddard UPDATE: Bill Davis had an interesting week after he read in the newspapers that his crew chief, Tommy Baldwin, was entertaining a contract offer from Dale Earnhardt Inc. to fill the position vacated by Paul Andrews with Steve Park’ Chevrolet. Andrews left DEI last week to assume the crew chief job with Jeff Burton #99 Ford entry. Davis had several choice comments about Baldwin’ handling of the situation, and sources told teamfordracing.com that Ty Norris, general manager for DEI, also was unhappy with the public airing of contract negotiations in the media. Davis, addressing his crew chief possibilities said that he’ spoken with Frankie Stoddard this past week, and that he believes Baldwin will stay put where he is. “Frankie Stoddard and I have talked, but we havent talked about official job description capacity, yet, said Davis. Id love to have Frankie. He’ one of the best crew chiefs in the garage. Tommy Baldwin seems to talk to [the media] more than he does me. I assume he’ staying. Well sit down and talk next week. I figure hell be crew chief for the [No.] 22 for a long time.(Ford Racing)(9-15-2002) UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin is expected to re-sign with Bill Davis Racing [BDR], despite reports that he was leaving the organization to take the same role at DEI on the #1 Chevy with driver Steve Park. However, insiders at BDR say Philippe Lopez will not be returning to the #23 car with driver Kenny Wallace since the Hills Brothers sponsorship subsidizes his salary.(Sporting News)(9-16-2002) UPDATE announcement…this week? hearing the rumored hiring of crew cheif Frank Stoddard by Bill Davis Racing could come as early as this week (Wednesday?) AND Sunday morning on NASCAR This Morning, crew chief Tommy Baldwin said he expects to stay with Bill Davis Racing and the #22 Dodge next season.(9-17-2002)
