Jeff Burton’s #31 pit crew earned its second Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge win in Sunday’s NEXTEL Cup event, helping boost the Chase driver to a seventh-place finish in the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. “Our pit crew has been a big part of Team Cingular’s success this season,” said Scott Miller, crew chief for the #31 Cingular Chevy. “Everyone has worked extremely hard to do their part, and we have seen the result of that on the track. I am very proud of the pit crew’s efforts and look for it to continue throughout the final nine races in The Chase.” Burton’s over-the-wall crew, which spent a winning 171.097 seconds on pit road, consists of: Josh Yost (jackman), Kevin Nervenga (front-tire carrier), Joe Zielinski (front-tire changer), Jason Fowler (rear-tire carrier), Aaron Smith (rear-tire changer), Larry Hartle (gasman), Rich Burgess (catch can) and Wes Adams (windshield). The pit crew coordinator is Corrine Mauldin. Burton’s team is one of 13 different pit crews to have won the weekly competition, which pays $10,500 for each win. In addition, a bonus of $105,000 will be awarded to the pit crew with the most victories at the completion of the 36-race schedule. With nine races remaining, the $105,000 bonus is still up for grabs with the over-the-wall crews of Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch leading the standings with four wins each. Clint Bowyer’s and Tony Stewart’s teams are tied for second with three wins. The Checkers/Rally’s Double Drive-Thru Challenge is in its second season with the Nextel Cup Series. Checkers/Rally’s is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR)(9-19-2006)
