In an effort to further the chemistry of the #9 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race team, Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) announced Kevin Manion has been assigned as the crew chief of that team with driver Sam Hornish, Jr. Manion will begin his duties immediately and call the race this weekend at Kansas Speedway. Manion, a native of Boylston, Mass., is a championship-winning crew chief and was a part of leading Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing to wins at both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in 2010. Manion has five wins in the premier Sprint Cup Series and 15 wins in the NASCAR XFINITY Series. In addition, he has led his race teams to over 60 Top-10 and 25 Top-Five finishes in his Cup career. He also has 10 poles. Having success with different drivers with different racing backgrounds, Manion has led the sports best including Martin Truex, Jr. during his XFINITY and early Sprint Cup Series career. During his time with Truex, Jr., Manion earned two XFINITY Series championships. He then became a trusted leader to Jamie McMurray, leading him to four Sprint Cup Series wins. Manion is a respected crew chief in NASCAR and has the experience to get the #9 team in victory lane. Manion will begin his duties with RPM immedialty. Manion replaces Drew Blickensderfer who has been offered another position within the organization.(RPM)(5-5-2015)
UPDATE: In light of the recent departure of Kevin “Bono” Manion, Tommy Baldwin Racing has announced that team owner Tommy Baldwin will assume the role as crew chief of the #7 Chevy, for driver Alex Bowman. “I’m very happy for Bono; we’ve been friends a long time, and I wish him nothing but the best,” said Baldwin. “Climbing atop the pit box is somewhat of a familiar role for me and I look forward to working with Alex.” Baldwin, in his seventh year of a being a Sprint Cup Series team owner, is no stranger to the position – having numerous wins and a Daytona 500 championship in 2002. Baldwin’s return will take effect immediately.(TBR)(5-5-2015)
