Pattie most recently worked atop the pit box for Juan Pablo Montoya's #42 Target Chevrolet team under the Ganassi Racing banner, and will lead Bowyer's new team at MWR this season. Many of the crew members under his watch will come from Red Bull Racing, which is not expected to return in 2012.
Red Bull Racing’s No. 83 Sprint Cup Series team pitted Johanna Long’s Super Late Model entry at this weekend’s Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, and some of those crewmen began work at Michael Waltrip Racing today.
Unofficially, seven over-the-wall crewmembers from Red Bull Racing are expected to work for MWR in 2012. Five of them will crew Bowyer’s #15 Toyota, including the front tire changer, front tire carrier and gas man from Kasey Kahne’s former #4 team, along with the jack man and rear tire changer from Brian Vickers’ No. 83. Two other former Red Bull crewmen will work on MWR’s No. 56 and No. 55 Toyotas. Other former Red Bull team members have found work at JTG Daugherty Racing and Hendrick Motorsports.
Sources with Red Bull Racing said crewmembers were originally forbidden to talk to other teams until the end of their current contract in early December. Red Bull reportedly issued an amendment to that ruling 3-4 weeks ago, allowing crewmen to seek immediate employment in exchange for forfeiting their severance pay if Red Bull closes its doors.
It is expected that Red Bull will releasing the balance of its Competition Department at the end of business today.
Another team come and gone. Too bad. Its a liitle like the Gilette deal. People who make the calls don't know what they're doing. Anybody with money can start a team in Nascar. But to be successful, put people who know what to do in the right positions and LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!! Hope Jay can resurrect the team
ReplyDeleteKelly in Manitoba
As unfortunate as it is that things haven't worked out for Red Bull Racing, it's nice to hear that the employee's are finding homes else where. The economy certainly makes it tough for all the owners and crews, it's just nice to hear a little bit of positive information to come out.
ReplyDeleteThey tried to run their team like an F1 team/Big Company. Throw gobs of money and technology at it then expect instant success.
ReplyDeleteThen if results are not what was anticipated close up shop immediately before you have to admit you didn't do things right.
I believe they thought that they were going to "step down" to NASCAR and kick everyones butt.