Bill Davis Racing (BDR) announced that Derrick Finley will serve as crew chief for the #36 OTC 360 team and driver Jeremy Mayfield. In addition, the team has added several key employees to its organization. Finley, 35, began his tenure at Bill Davis Racing near the end of the 2003 season and was chosen to become the crew chief of the #22 Caterpillar team for the final two races of the 2004 campaign. Finley spent 2005 calling the shots for that team before moving to the #55 [Michael Waltrip] team for the 2006 season. Midway through 2006, Finley returned to his engineering roots and became a key part of both the #55 and #22 teams’ efforts. Finley will pair up with veteran driver Jeremy Mayfield in 2007. In addition, Bill Davis Racing has added several key employees to its roster. Gene DeHart has been called upon to oversee the team’s speedway program. DeHart most recently was involved with DeHart, Inc., using his expertise hanging bodies and building Chassis for various Nextel Cup, Busch and Truck Series teams. Prior to that he was with Kevin Harvick, Incorporated. Gary Grossenbacher has also joined BDR and will function as the Cup program aerodynamicist. Grossenbacher spent the past three years working as the Technical Director for Synergy Racing in the Grand American Sports Car Series. Before that, Grossenbacher worked for G2 Inc., on its General Motors Motorsports Technology Group contract, which included engineering design, manufacturing, application and support of NASCAR suppliers and race teams. Veteran crew chief Gene Nead has also been hired by Bill Davis Racing. Nead comes to BDR from Kevin Harvick, Inc. where he guided the #77 Busch Series team. At BDR Nead will oversee research and development as well as lead the ARCA RE/MAX and Busch Series programs for BDR driver Bobby Santos. The engine department has added the knowledge and skills of Dr. Andrew Randolph. Dr. Randolph received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1985. During a 22-year career at General Motors and in NASCAR, Dr. Randolph’s work has ranged from fundamental engine research to mass-production engine development and from Wankel rotaries to Pro Stock drag engines. In the process he has become one of the world’s foremost authorities on combustion analysis. He has contributed to five NASCAR Cup championships with three different teams. Dr. Randolph most recently served as Director of Engine Development for Hendrick Motorsports.(BDR PR)(1-5-2007)
