Michael Waltrip’s No. 15 pit crew rebounded Sunday in Phoenix, claiming the top prize and an important 43 points in the inaugural McDonald’s Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. In the chase for the $200,000 bonus that goes to the season champion, Waltrip’s pit crew has a 22-point lead over its DEI teammate – the No. 8 crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. There are two races remaining – Rockingham (Nov. 9) and Homestead-Miami (Nov. 16). Waltrip’s NAPA pit crew, which has five McDonald’s/POWERade victories and $100,000 in prize money to date, has led the championship since the season-opening Daytona 500. “The NAPA boys stepped it up in Phoenix,” said crew chief Richard “Slugger” Labbe. “The first stop was 12.82 seconds and we gained six positions – a great indication for what the day was going to be like. Their success is a direct result of the training by Walt Smith (DEI pit crew trainer). The No. 15 team and the No. 8 team are running first and second in the McDonald’s/POWERade competition – what a testament to Walt and the preparation he makes.” Waltrip’s Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road at Phoenix International Raceway – 159.435 seconds. Jamie McMurray’s Dodge was second at 162.096. Ricky Rudd’s Ford was third (165.198) and Earnhardt’s Chevy was fourth (172.933). The over-the-wall pit crew for Waltrip’s team consists of: Brian Chase (jackman), Jeff Opal (gasman), Chris Crumley (front tire changer), Greg Osborne (rear tire changer), Shawn Ward (front tire carrier), Chad Walter (rear tire carrier) and Pete Rondeau (catch can). See standings, top 10 from Phoenix and winners each week, see my Pit Crew News page and Pit Crew Chart .(11-6-2003)
