Tuesday, February 07, 2006

 

Top Ten Crew Chiefs of 2006

NASCAR fans make such a fuss over the drivers and we think it's reached the point of ridiculousness. The waffle bellies stand next to the garage fence all day in the blistering sun... hoping for a fleeting glimpse of Junior's second cousin twice removed so they might get a blurry picture or perhaps if they're lucky, an illegible autograph. If they had a brain in their heads, they would pay attention to some of the guys who make this great sport happen... the crew chiefs.

So let's show some love for our favorites:

#10 Stewart Cooper - #27 Kleenex Ford (Busch series)
At 27 years old, Stewart Cooper is one of the youngest crew chiefs on the Busch circuit. During his tenure, Stewart has lead the 27 team three consecutive years of a top ten finishes in Busch Championship standings. With a start like that, we expect a lot of great things from this guy in the future.





#9 Richard "Slugger" Labbe - #88 UPS Ford
Let's face it... anyone with a cool nickname like this and who can put up with Michael Waltrip's shit for any measure of time deserves some recognition. We love ya, Slugger!

p.s. - thanks for busting our asses over that picture of you and Tommy from the press conference. For the record, we really don't have too much free time, but we always make time to rag on you guys.



#8 Greg Zipadelli - #20 Home Depot Chevrolet
Tony Stewart owes a tremendous debt to the patience of this man. If it hadn't been for Zippy's dedication to the team and possible dispensing of horse tranquilizers into Tony's water bottle, he would not be where he is today. Zippy deserves more than a Corvette... he deserves sainthood.






#7 Jimmy Elledge - #41 Target Dodge
Mr. Kelley Earnhardt comes in at lucky number 7. No good reason, we just like ragging on him. OK seriously, Jimmy did a great job of bringing Casey Mears along in his sophomore season, and he is starting to find his feet in Cup racing. We think we can expect great things from Casey this year in the 42 car with Donnie Wingo, and he has Jimmy to thank for a lot of that.




#6 Chad Knaus - #48 Lowe's Chevrolet
Under Chad's leadership, Jimmie Johnson has finished second in Cup standings back to back, and is poised to be a serious contender for the championship in 2006. Now if he could just manage not to get suspended again.







#5 Rodney Childers - #10 Valvoline Dodge
Note: We can't find a decent picture of Rodney, so this picture of Randy "Macho Man" Savage will have to do. We know you're like that on the inside, Rodney.

With the recent move over to Evernham Motorsports, 2006 is a make or break year for Scott Riggs and Rodney Childers. Scott has tremendous potential, and Rodney is key to that equation.




#4 Randy Cox - #22 AutoZone Ford (Busch series)
David Stremme emerged as a contender in the Busch series under the guidance of Randy Cox, and subsequently landed a ride with Ganassi in the #40 Coors Light Dodge. Although we know that Coors wanted a younger good looking guy with REAL hair, we'd like to think that David owes some of his success to Randy. Good luck this year, Randy... just make sure Kenny Wallace takes his ritalin, OK?






#3 Matt Borland - #12 Alltel Dodge
With a degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute, this guy has got brains to spare. The smaller carburetor strategy of the 2004 season was nothing short of genius, and proved that contrary to popular garage opinion, bigger isn't always better. We love it when the geeks prevail... keep talking nerdy to us, Matt!






#2 Tommy Baldwin - #38 M&Ms Ford
We love a man who's got a fiery temper and is willing to give a good fight for what he feels is right. Tommy's 2003 visit to the 20 pit stall and subsequent dragging away while kicking and screaming in Chicagoland was one of the best moments of that season. Not to mention his previous resignation from Bill Davis Racing, which by most accounts, involved throwing things. We were really sorry to see Tommy leave Evernham's 9 team after the 2005 season, because it looked like he was a good influence on Kasey Kahne's driver development. But apparently he decided he'd be better at influencing Elliott Sadler to embrace good hygiene again. Well, at least he'll do some good.



#1 Robert "Bootie" Barker - #66 Best Buy Chevrolet
Bootie has been a hero of ours ever since witnessing him verbally ass whip his crew for being slackers during the 2005 race at Watkins Glen. We think his words say it all:

"If you don't want to be here, then stay the fuck home. I don't care."

We've never seen a group of guys stare at their shoes so hard! Note to self... don't screw with Mr. Barker!

Daytona's right around the corner, boys... let's have at it!


# posted by Green Green Green! @ 1:36 PM
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