Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Jimmie Johnson Getting A New Crew Chief

Written by 
Published in Racing
Monday, 29 July 2019 10:23

CONCORD, N.C. — Hendrick Motorsports has named Cliff Daniels as the new crew chief for seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

Daniels will assume the role immediately and be atop the pit box for the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team during Sunday’s road-course race at Watkins Glen Int’l.

Daniels, 31, won the 2016 Cup Series championship as Johnson’s race engineer. The Smithfield, Va., native joined the No. 48 team in December 2014, moved into Hendrick Motorsports’ competition systems group following the end of last season and then rejoined the No. 48 team as Johnson’s race engineer last month at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway.

“We have great confidence in Cliff’s ability to win races with Jimmie and the team,” said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick. “He’s a natural leader and tremendously talented from both a technical and communication standpoint. Cliff’s familiarity with Jimmie and the No. 48 team culture will benefit us a ton. He will bring the spark that’s been our missing ingredient.”

Daniels will replace Kevin Meendering, who will remain with Hendrick Motorsports in a senior competition role. Meendering joined the No. 48 team following the 2018 season.

“Kevin is a talent,” Hendrick said. “We have areas where he can make a major impact and help all four of our teams be successful. Everyone thinks the world of him, and we plan to keep him as a key member of our organization for as long as he wants to be here.”

Through 21 races in 2019, Johnson, 43, has one pole position and eight top-10 finishes, including three top fives. He is currently 17th in the driver standings, 12 points below the playoff cutline.

“Cliff has really shined since he came back to the No. 48,” Johnson said. “When he returned, there was an immediate change in the team dynamic that all of us felt. We’ve worked together for a long time, have a ton of mutual respect and a shared vision. I have no doubt the strong connection and working relationship is going to pay dividends right away.

“I’m so grateful to Kevin. He’s a truly awesome person who I think very, very highly of. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him in his new role. He’s a brilliant guy and will make all of us better.”

Daniels is a former stock car driver who raced late models in and around Virginia at tracks like Langley, Southside and South Boston. After earning a mechanical engineering degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, he was hired by RAB Racing in 2011.

He was a race engineer for driver Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing for two seasons (2013 and 2014) before joining Hendrick Motorsports.

“We have an opportunity to win an eighth championship and a lot more races with Jimmie,” Daniels said. “I’m proud to be in this position and have total faith in the team and our ability to perform at the level everyone expects. We have the best driver, the best organization and the best leadership, so everything we need to be successful is in place.

“It’s always been my goal to become a crew chief, and I’m thankful to Mr. Hendrick for his confidence.”

Read 12911 times

Soccer

Kane downplays PL return: 'Happy' at Bayern

Kane downplays PL return: 'Happy' at Bayern

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHarry Kane has downplayed the prospect of a Premier League return i...

Arteta 'worried' as Arsenal's Gabriel limps off

Arteta 'worried' as Arsenal's Gabriel limps off

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMikel Arteta has admitted he's "worried" about Gabriel after the Ar...

Messi's bodyguard banned from MLS sidelines

Messi's bodyguard banned from MLS sidelines

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLionel Messi's bodyguard Yassine Cheuko has been banned from protec...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

NBA suspends 5 players for Pistons-Wolves scuffle

NBA suspends 5 players for Pistons-Wolves scuffle

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThree players from the Detroit Pistons and two from the Minnesota T...

NBA coaching carousel: What's next for the Grizzlies and Kings jobs?

NBA coaching carousel: What's next for the Grizzlies and Kings jobs?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWith two weeks to go in the NBA's regular season, there are two ope...

Baseball

Pirates' Harrington gets call, will debut vs. Rays

Pirates' Harrington gets call, will debut vs. Rays

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Pittsburgh Pirates called up right-handed prospect Thomas Harri...

Yanks bring back reliever Ottavino on 1-yr. deal

Yanks bring back reliever Ottavino on 1-yr. deal

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino is returning to the...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated