Mike Ford was let go Tuesday as crew chief for #11-Denny Hamlin after a disappointing season in which the duo failed to contend for the championship. “I’m kind of relieved,” Ford told The Associated Press. “It had been dragging on for so long, I’m actually relieved there’s finally a resolution.” Joe Gibbs Racing team owner Joe Gibbs met with championship-winning crew chief Darian Grubb [formerly of #14-Tony Stewart] last week in Las Vegas, the day after the season-ending awards ceremony. Grubb has also toured the JGR facility. Ford said JGR officials made no mention of Grubb in telling Ford he was out late Tuesday.(Associated Press), no word on Mike Ford’s plans.(12-6-2011)
UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing announces that Mike Ford has been released from his duties as crew chief for its #11 Sprint Cup Series team. “Everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing appreciates what Mike has done for our organization over the past six seasons as crew chief with our #11 team,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “We’ve decided it was best to make a change with the team now to allow Mike the opportunity to pursue other opportunities.” There will be no immediate announcement regarding a replacement crew chief for the #11 team.(Joe Gibbs Racing)(12-6-2011)
UPDATE 2: Darian Grubb says he’s close to announcing his plans for 2012. The 2011 Sprint Cup championship crew chief attended Tuesday night’s Stocks-for-Tots fundraising event at the NASCAR Technical Institute and said he hopes to reveal his plans by the end of the week. “I’m hoping to get it all ironed out by the end of the week because we have to get things rolling for 2012, and get things going no matter where I go.” With today’s announcement of the departure of Mike Ford as crew chief for the No. 11 FedEx Toyota and driver Denny Hamlin, the open slot at Joe Gibbs Racing is one possibility for Grubb. “It’s all still rumors at this point,” Grubb said. “I’ve talked to a lot of people and I have narrowed down my list a little bit and I still haven’t made any decisions myself. Hopefully, by the end of the week we’ll have some decisions made and get some announcements out there.”(Motor Racing Network)(12-7-2011)
UPDATE 3: Joe Gibbs Racing announced that Darian Grubb has been named crew chief for its #11 FedEx Toyota NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. “Darian is a great addition to our organization and person to lead our #11 FedEx team,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “Obviously he has proven the ability to guide a team to a championship and we are excited to have him working with Denny (Hamlin) toward achieving that goal here at Joe Gibbs Racing.” Grubb is coming off an impressive championship run with driver Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing which included winning five of the 10 Chase races en route to capturing the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series title. He spent the past three seasons as crew chief for Stewart on the No. 14 car after the driver left JGR to start his own race operation. Prior to joining Stewart-Haas Racing, Grubb spent six years with Hendrick Motorsports; rising through the organization’s engineering ranks and gaining invaluable crew chief experience. “I’m thrilled to join Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Grubb. “The chance to work with Denny is something I’m excited about. When you sit down with Joe and J.D. Gibbs you can’t help but be excited about this opportunity and the team aspects of JGR. There is no question about the level of support you get here and I’m looking forward to working with everyone across the entire organization.”(Joe Gibbs Racing)(12-9-2011)
