Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that crewchief Dave Fuge, Sr., is out as crewchief of Mike Bliss’ #19 NASCAR Nationwide Series entry at Tri-Star Motorsports. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, sources close to the team say the veteran crewchief parted company with the team today, despite ranking ninth in Nationwide Series championship points after three events. Bliss was 17th three laps down Saturday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, after finishing 13th in the season opener at Daytona and 20th two weeks ago in Phoenix. A spokesperson for Tri-Star Motorsports confirmed that Fuge is no longer with the team, but declined to discuss reasons for the move. No decision has been made on a possible replacement. (Sirius Speedway)(3-8-2011)
UPDATE: TriStar Motorsports owner, Mark Smith, announced that effective immediately Wes Ward will assume crew chief duties for the #19 entry and driver Mike Bliss. A NASCAR veteran of 22 years and former Director of Competition at Rusty Wallace Racing, Ward replaces Dave Fuge at the helm of the #19 team.(3-10-2011)
UPDATE 2: Sirius NASCAR Radio’s Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody has learned that Wes Ward has left Tri-Star Motorsports, where he had served as crewchief for Mike Bliss’ NASCAR Nationwide Series team. There is no word on a replacement, and a call placed to Tri-Star in search of comment was not returned.(Sirius Speedway)(4-5-2011)
UPDATE: TriStar Motorsports announced that Paul Clapprood will assume crew chief duties of the #19 Impala and driver Mike Bliss beginning with this weekend’s event at Talladega Superspeedway. Clapprood, who most recently worked at TRG Motorsports in the Sprint Cup Series, replaces Wes Ward at the helm of the #19 team.(TriStar Motorsports)(4-12-2011)
