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| Tony Stewart |
Tony Stewart, driver of the Office Depot Mobil 1 Chevy for Stewart Haas Racing is now in the midst of what could be the most historic run of his career.I know this year seems like it hasn’t had any headaches for those who now look at the very fact he has 4 wins in the last nine races. But prior to that, Crew Chief Darian Grubb was put on the hot seat through the midway point of the 2011 season. Stewart, who went winless through the first 26 weeks, did have winning race cars and a lot of issues on pit road that eluded any chance of him winning. Earlier in the year Stewart was well on his way to winning at Las Vegas leading 167 laps, only to have an air hose violation giving the win to Carl Edwards. Oddly, this was Carl’s only win of the season and may just be the difference in Tony winning or losing this title. I also go back to Kansas in the spring.
Another race Stewart had in the bag, but once again issues on pit road with them not getting their fuel full, Stewart was forced to pit yet again settling for an 8th place run. So why is this all put on the man calling the shots? Darian Grubb is perhaps a potential cup series champion crew chief. Now, obviously I am not Tony and I would agree Darian has made bad calls, but I stand firm on the very fact he’s shown what he can do with his back against the wall.
I’ve heard rumor over and over that perhaps Steve Addington would be Tony’s crew chief for 2012 and Grubb the competition director, which seems to be the buzz. Me personally, I do not think Steve is the one Stewart needs. I also heard rumor of Greg Zipadelli coming back and re-uniting with Stewart, who worked with Stewart from 1999-2008 at Joe Gibbs Racing with 2 titles and 33 wins. Now, if you put them two together that would sound much more legit. We now look at a man who would be a championship crew chief and no chance to defend it
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Nice Job Stephen! Welcome as a contributing blogger! Looking forward to seeing what happens over the next several months with Crew Chief changes. Darian has done an awesome job throughout the chase with 4 wins. Wish him the best!