The weekly McDonald’s/POWERade Drive-Thru Pit Championship was won by Bill Elliott’s (No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge) crew at the New England 300. Elliott spent 165.612 seconds in the pits the least amount of pit time among teams competing in the program. Overall, Michael Waltrip’s crew leads with 719 points, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew with 644. Robby Gordon (No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet 621 points) is third, followed closely by Bobby Labonte’s crew (618).(NASCAR PR) — will have more when the PR is released.(7-22-2003) AND 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.(DMF Communications PR). For the season standings, who has won each week, the top 10 last race, see my Pit Crew Page .(7-23-2003)
