A spokesperson for Joe Gibbs Racing has confirmed published reports that Mike Ford will not return as crew chief for Denny Hamlin's #11 Fed Ex-sponsored Sprint Cup Series Toyota next season. The Associated Press had reported earlier that Ford has been terminated, and that an offer has been extended to 2011 championship winning crew chief Darian Grubb to replace Ford next season. While declining to comment on Grubb, a spokesperson for JGR told Sirius XM NASCAR Radio's
Sirius Speedway today, "you are safe to say (Ford) has been released."
Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick confirmed recently that Grubb has a standing invitation to return to that organization in 2012, and Grubb said he has other offers from other operations, as well.
After winning eight races and challenging for the series championship a year ago, Hamlin and Ford managed just one victory in 2011. While they qualified for the Chase this season, they were never a contender for the title en route to a ninth place finish in points.
There has been no official confirmation by any of the involved parties.
Dang It !!! Tony should've traded (Grubb) for Zippy
ReplyDeleteWow, thats some news. And i kept thinking Penske would have picked up Grubb on the 22 car. This is probably the 7th crew chief change this year. Hopefully, a couple more and we will be done with the changes. Its going take some effort to keep my head straight with all these chances.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Godfather and keep the news coming...
Does make one wonder who will end up at Penske, but they still have Travis Geisler at Penske, and he would be good for whomever gets the 22.
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ReplyDeleteNice racist post without the nuggets to use your name Mr./Mrs. Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteFor whatever reason the Hamlin/Ford releationship just lost the spark this year. Wouldn't be surprised one bit to see Darian jump in with Hamlin. Seems like their personalities would work well together.
Wow. Talk about revolving doors. No job is safe. It's our culture these days. Everything is disposable. God forbid they actually try to develop someone and address weaknesses. Firing is alot easier I guess. But, eventually you will run out of high caliber talent to hire.
ReplyDeleteThe Toyota camp needs to get some reliability and durability back in their gear before these organizations can haul off and start firing people for performance. The TRD group just hasnt been dominant like it was 08 09 and 10. Not sure if they are falling behind or other teams have just caught up.
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