Cornelius, NC (Sports Network) - Michael Waltrip Racing revealed on Monday
that Brian Pattie will serve as crew chief for Clint Bowyer's No.15 Toyota
team in the Sprint Cup Series, beginning in 2012.
Pattie had served as Juan Pablo Montoya's crew chief at Earnhardt-Ganassi
Racing from the middle of the 2008 season until the halfway point of this
season. His first and only win so far in Sprint Cup came with Montoya in 2010
at Watkins Glen, NY. The two earned a spot in the championship Chase two years
ago.
He also has 18 wins as a crew chief in the Nationwide Series.
"Brian is someone whose been on our radar for a very long time," team owner
Michael Waltrip said in a team statement. "He brings a strong technical
background, along with great leadership and Chase experience. We have high
hopes for Brian, Clint and the 5-hour Energy team heading into 2012, and we
think this is the perfect mix of talent, experience and leadership."
According to a news release from MWR, Pattie began his new role with the team
last Thursday.
"Michael Waltrip Racing is an up-and-coming team making improvements every
day," Pattie said. "When I started talking with Michael about opportunities at
MWR, I really did my research and was impressed by their commitment to getting
to the top of the sport. I feel like this is a great opportunity to join a new
team with a new driver and start building something special. Clint's proven
how good he is, and I know that will get even better in 2012."
Two months ago, Bowyer signed a three-year agreement with MWR to drive the
team's No.15 car, starting next year. Bowyer drove for Richard Childress
Racing in both the Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series from 2004-11. He won the
Nationwide title in '08.
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