Brian Burns has worked his way from interim status to the crew chief role at JTG/Daugherty Racing for the #47 Toyota and driver Bobby Labonte. Burns had been a crew chief with Travis Kvapil and an interim crew chief with Labonte for the final four races in 2012 after Frank Kerr was reassigned. He returned to the crew chief role for at JTG/D in August when Todd Berrier parted ways with the team. Under Burns ‘ direction, Labonte posted three finishes of 12th or better in the final six races of the season. ‘I think he’s done a great job since he was put in that position,’ said general manager Bobby Hutchens. ‘He’s a solid engineer and he understands the race car. Plus he’s a great leader with the crew. Considering that he’s already had time in the position, I really believe we ‘ll be able to make progress next year.’(Fox Sports)(12-8-2012)
UPDATE: Hard work and dedication does pay off. Late Friday afternoon, JTG Daugherty Racing inked Brian Burns to return as crew chief of the No. 47 Toyota Camry with driver Bobby Labonte for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. ‘Anytime we have needed Brian to step into a crew chief role and lead our team, he has risen to the challenge,’ co-owner Tad Geschickter said. ‘He has done a solid job for us and we ‘re pleased he accepted the position to guide our team in 2013.’ With Burns and the addition of general manager Bobby Hutchens, the team made forward progress and turned in some respectable finishes. Near the end of the 2011 season, he served as interim crew chief for Labonte in the final six events and then moved to the Harrisburg, N.C. shop at the beginning of 2012. Midseason Burns was at the helm again when crew chief and general manager Todd Berrier parted ways with the team in 2012.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(12-11-2012)
