Robert Yates Racing (RYR) announced that Mike Ford has elected to step down as crew chief for the #88 UPS/Robert Yates Racing NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team and driver Dale Jarrett. Ford joined RYR in November 2003. Mike made this decision based on what was in the best interest for himself and for his family, said Eddie DHondt, general manager for RYR. We obviously wish him the best in his future endeavors. We are actively pursuing someone to replace him, DHondt continued. Until we find the right individual for the job, we will fill the role in-house on an interim basis.(RYR PR)(5-16-2005)
UPDATE: Until a permanent replacement can be found for the role of crew chief, the duties of crew chief will be filled on an interim basis. Filling that role this weekend for Team UPS is veteran crew chief Bill Wilburn who served as crew chief for Rusty Wallace during the 2003 NASCAR season [and was Brendan Gaughan’s crew cheif on the #77 Truck Series team for the 1st 5 races this year)(UPS Racing Site)(5-19-2005)
