Hendrick Motorsports today named Darian Grubb crew chief of the No. 25 Chevrolets driven by Casey Mears in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.
The 31-year-old Grubb will lead the team into the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 18.
“Darian is one of the most respected voices in our organization and has proven to be a terrific leader, ” said team owner Rick Hendrick. “He and Casey represent an exciting new combination for the No. 25 team, its sponsors and its fans. “
Grubb, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech, joined Hendrick Motorsports from Petty Enterprises in January 2003, assuming the role of team engineer for the No. 48 Chevrolets led by crew chief Chad Knaus.
While also serving as Hendrick Motorsports’ lead race engineer, Grubb worked alongside Knaus last season as the No. 48 team posted five wins, one pole position, 13 top-five finishes and a series-best 24 top-10 efforts en route to the 2006 NEXTEL Cup championship.
A native of Floyd, Va., Grubb was interim crew chief during the first four races of the No. 48 team’s 2006 campaign, leading driver Jimmie Johnson to a pair of victories, one runner-up finish and a sixth-place effort.
Grubb assumes the duties of Lance McGrew, who will remain with Hendrick Motorsports in a leadership role.
Darian Grubb Career Highlights:
Began working as a teenager at the late model level, competing primarily in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina .... Attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., from 1993-98, earning a mechanical engineering degree through a co-op program with Volvo Trucks and General Motors .... Joined Volvo Trucks as a design engineer (1998-2000) while working as a Pro Cup Series crew chief for two seasons (1998 and 1999) with driver Jeff Agnew ....
Hired by Petty Enterprises in 2000 to assist with development of the Dodge Intrepid .... Worked three seasons with the No. 43 NEXTEL Cup team of driver John Andretti (2000-02) as a shock specialist and team engineer .... Joined Hendrick Motorsports in January 2003 as team engineer for the No. 48 Chevrolets ....
Named lead race engineer for Hendrick Motorsports in 2006 while continuing duties as No. 48 team engineer .... Interim crew chief for the No. 48 Chevrolets during the first four races of 2006, earning two victories, one runner-up finish and one additional top-10 .... Member of the 2006 NEXTEL Cup championship team with driver Jimmie Johnson .... Earned 20 victories as a member of the No. 48 team (2003-06).
