PPI Motorsports (PPIM) announced today that James Ince, team manager of the #32 Tide/Downy Chevy driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr. in the Nextel Cup Series will take on the additional role of crew chief effective immediately. Danny Gill, who has served as crew chief since July 20, has been released from PPIM to pursue new opportunities. I was fortunate two weeks ago to have James Ince join my organization, said Wells III, owner of PPI Motorsports. We have been trying to do this for a very long time. He is a proven winner and with his vast array of experience, he was my first choice for the team manager position. However, after further review of the Tide teams on-track performance, I feel it is necessary to have him assume the role of crew chief for the remainder of the season. I am trying to do everything I can to give Bobby all the necessary elements to excel in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and I feel James is the one who can help raise the overall performance level of this race team. Both driver and crew chief are winners so I believe this is a win-win situation for everyone involved. I want to thank Danny Gill for his assistance during our teams transition period after the departure of Harold Holly, he came to us highly recommended by Bobby Hamilton Sr. and I appreciate everything he has done for PPI Motorsports and the Tide Racing program. I wish him much success in the future.
Ince is no stranger to the crew chief ranks in NASCAR racing. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Ince has won in every series he has ever raced. At the helm, he has led NASCAR veterans Johnny Benson, David Green, Kevin Lepage, Ted Musgrave and Rich Bickle to their best all-time finishes. The spotlight was heavily shown on Ince starting in 2000 when he was paired for three seasons with driver Johnny Benson. Together they produced a total of 14 top-five and 31 top-10 finishes in NASCARS premier series. Their best result came in November 2002 when Ince guided Benson to his first career Nextel Cup victory at North Carolina Speedway. Inces most recent endeavor in the Cup Series was earlier this season when he served as crew chief for driver #66-Hermie Sadler during the first two events.(PPI Motorsports)(9-19-2005)
