Mike Hembree, Special for USA TODAY Sports - Published 10:40 a.m. ET Dec. 15, 2017
The Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR team has finalized its driver-crew chief lineup for 2018, including confirming Kurt Busch’s return to the No. 41 car.
SHR announced Friday that Busch will be paired with new crew chief Billy Scott. Veteran crew chief Tony Gibson, who formerly worked with Busch, will remain with the team in a role not yet determined.
Engineer John Klausmeier will become crew chief for Aric Almirola, who is joining the team to replace Danica Patrick in the No. 10 Fords.
There are no significant changes for SHR’s other teams. Rodney Childers will return as crew chief for Kevin Harvick, and the Clint Bowyer-Mike Bugarewicz pairing continues with the No. 14 cars.
“We have some of the finest talent in the industry, and we’re confident in the leadership of each of our teams as we pursue wins and a championship in 2018,” said Tony Stewart, co-owner of SHR with Gene Haas. “Obviously, we’re very happy to have Kurt Busch back with SHR, and I’m proud to have Aric Almirola as a part of our race team. He’s someone I’ve always been impressed with since we were teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing, and John Klausmeier is more than ready to be his crew chief.
“The partnership between Kevin Harvick and Rodney Childers is the best in the garage, and after a bunch of strong runs and second-place finishes, I think Clint Bowyer and Mike Bugarewicz are ready for a breakout year. We’re in a really good place with each of our race teams.”
Kurt Busch won the Daytona 500 this season but went winless the rest of the year.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/n ... 955203001/
Stewart-Haas Racing Finalizes Driver-Crew Chief Lineup, Confirms Kurt Busch’s Return
- HiddenHollow
- Enormous Race Fan
- Posts: 7322
- Joined: Fri Dec 30, 2016 1:04 pm
- Location: Tampa, FL
- Has thanked: 245 times
- Been thanked: 265 times
- Contact:
Stewart-Haas Racing Finalizes Driver-Crew Chief Lineup, Confirms Kurt Busch’s Return
Always A Racer - Forever A Champion
- HiddenHollow
- Enormous Race Fan
- Posts: 7322
- Joined: Fri Dec 30, 2016 1:04 pm
- Location: Tampa, FL
- Has thanked: 245 times
- Been thanked: 265 times
- Contact:
Re: Stewart-Haas Racing Finalizes Driver-Crew Chief Lineup, Confirms Kurt Busch’s Return
Always A Racer - Forever A Champion
- alenigma
- Colossal Race Fan
- Posts: 9052
- Joined: Sat Dec 31, 2016 11:21 am
- Location: W. Columbia, SC.
- Has thanked: 693 times
- Been thanked: 121 times
- Contact:
Re: Stewart-Haas Racing Finalizes Driver-Crew Chief Lineup, Confirms Kurt Busch’s Return
Glad to see SHR and Kurt iron things out, even if it's only a one year deal. Gibson truly has earned his new spot off of the pit box! Let's see what cc Billy Scott can do with a real racecar driver!
Let the Next Generation Emerge!