With Robbie Loomis move back to Petty Enterprises, Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick today introduced Steve Letarte as crew chief of the #24 entries driven by Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion. Letarte will call his first race Sunday at Loudon, N.H., less than 70 miles from his hometown of Cornish, Maine. Letarte, 26, has been with the #24 team full-time since 1996, winning three Cup titles under the tutelage of crew chiefs Ray Evernham, Brian Whitesell and Loomis. He has worked as a tire specialist, mechanic and car chief. To have a chance like this with Hendrick Motorsports is incredible, Letarte said. I couldnt ask to work with a better driver or a more talented group of people. Im committed to continuing the winning tradition of this team, closing 2005 on a positive note and pushing toward Jeffs fifth championship next year. Letarte takes over a crew with a pair of pole positions and three victories this season. Only two NEXTEL Cup teams have more wins in 2005. Im sad to see Robbie leave, Gordon said. We made a great team and had more wins ahead of us, but the Pettys presented him with a fantastic opportunity. For him, it was time for a change and Im happy hes found the right fit. Ive worked with Steve for more than 10 years and we already communicate extremely well, both on and off the track. The team has a ton of confidence in his abilities, so were looking forward to the last 10 races of 2005 and getting an early jump on next year.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(9-14-2005)
