hearing [or have learned] that crew chief Kevin Hamlin has left Richard Childress Racing and will be the new crew chief at Bill Davis Racing for Dave Blaney and the #22 Caterpillar Dodge with former #22 crew chief Derrick Finley moving over to the #55 NAPA Auto Parts Dodge that Michael Waltrip will drive in 2006.(PRN’s Garage Pass Radio show/Sporting News)(11-29-2005)
UPDATE: Following up on last weeks news regarding its recent changes to the #22 CAT Racing team, Bill Davis Racing released more details Tuesday about its 2006 plans for the #55 car, confirming Derrick Finley will serve as crew chief for Michael Waltrip and the #55 Napa Auto Parts crew. Along with Finley, the majority of the crew members who worked on the #22 car this 2005 season will move to the #55 team. Derrick has done a good job with the #22 car this year. Putting him and his experienced group of guys with Michael is going to make the entire transition back into a two-car team easier for all of us, said Bill Davis, team owner and president of Bill Davis Racing. Derrick is a very intelligent individual and a hard worker. I am confident he, Michael and the rest of the guys have what it takes to get the #55 NAPA car up front.
Im really looking forward to having two teams. Having Blaney and Hamlins input is going to be valuable. Ive known Hamlin for a long time. Well work well together, Finley said. Its a big help to be able to take most of my guys with me. Well have our core group together with a new driver, which should help speed everything up as far as comfort level for all of us.(BDR PR)(12-6-2005)
