From team press release
NASCAR Sprint Cup Richard Petty Motorsports officials announced Monday that Greg Erwin has joined the team and will replace Mike Shiplett as crew chief for the No. 43 Sprint Cup entry driven by American A.J. Allmendinger.
"Mike and I have been together for a long time, so from a personal standpoint this is difficult for me," Allmendinger said.
"We've worked really well together and I think our personalities really complemented each other. Mike and I both came into this year really committed to working on our weaker areas. I know we both tried our best to be better and communicate better - I couldn't have asked for either of us to try any harder. Sometimes though, you need to take a step back and have a new perspective or new set of eyes look at things to move to the next level.
"Greg Erwin is a really talented crew chief and we're lucky to have him come on board with us. He has had a lot of success, brings a fresh perspective and has shown he knows exactly what it takes to win. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together and taking the team to that next level."
Prior to joining Richard Petty Motorsports, Erwin held the crew chief position with the No. 16 team at Roush Fenway Racing. Erwin joined that team in May 2007 and during his tenure at RFR, led Greg Biffle to five victories, 36 top-five and 66 top-10 finishes. Erwin's team made the Chase three times, finishing as high as third in the year-end points standings.
"When one door closes, another one opens and this is great example of that," Erwin said. "I couldn't be happier to have found a new home at Richard Petty Motorsports. To work with Richard Petty and lead the iconic No. 43 team is a great opportunity for me. A.J. Allmendinger has shown that he has a great deal of talent and I'm excited to have the chance to get the No. 43 team back to Victory Lane."
Allmendinger, a former Formula Atlantic series' champion and ChampCar series' competitor, is currently 16th in the Sprint Cup standings with 515 points.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Richard Petty Motorsports officials announced Monday that Greg Erwin has joined the team and will replace Mike Shiplett as crew chief for the No. 43 Sprint Cup entry driven by American A.J. Allmendinger.
"Mike and I have been together for a long time, so from a personal standpoint this is difficult for me," Allmendinger said.
"We've worked really well together and I think our personalities really complemented each other. Mike and I both came into this year really committed to working on our weaker areas. I know we both tried our best to be better and communicate better - I couldn't have asked for either of us to try any harder. Sometimes though, you need to take a step back and have a new perspective or new set of eyes look at things to move to the next level.
"Greg Erwin is a really talented crew chief and we're lucky to have him come on board with us. He has had a lot of success, brings a fresh perspective and has shown he knows exactly what it takes to win. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together and taking the team to that next level."
Prior to joining Richard Petty Motorsports, Erwin held the crew chief position with the No. 16 team at Roush Fenway Racing. Erwin joined that team in May 2007 and during his tenure at RFR, led Greg Biffle to five victories, 36 top-five and 66 top-10 finishes. Erwin's team made the Chase three times, finishing as high as third in the year-end points standings.
"When one door closes, another one opens and this is great example of that," Erwin said. "I couldn't be happier to have found a new home at Richard Petty Motorsports. To work with Richard Petty and lead the iconic No. 43 team is a great opportunity for me. A.J. Allmendinger has shown that he has a great deal of talent and I'm excited to have the chance to get the No. 43 team back to Victory Lane."
Allmendinger, a former Formula Atlantic series' champion and ChampCar series' competitor, is currently 16th in the Sprint Cup standings with 515 points.