Working tirelessly throughout the 312 laps of the Checker Auto Parts 500 presented by Pennzoil, Greg Erwin, No. 16 Dish Network Ford, showed why crew chiefs really do earn their keep. Erwin knew of the passing difficulties that all drivers have experienced with the Car of Tomorrow throughout the 2007 season. To compensate the passing problems, Erwin’s race strategy at Phoenix International Raceway would revolve around track position to give his driver, Greg Biffle, a chance at a solid finish. However, track position was not all Erwin ended up battling with, as the No. 16 Ford was also experiencing handling problems throughout the race. To his credit, Erwin soldiered through the problems and masterminded a path to the front for Biffle to give him a shot at a high placed finish. As the checkered flag waved, the team picked up their fifth top five win of the season after Biffle crossed the finish line in second place. For his hard work and never quit attitude, Erwin was awarded the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race.
Starting from seventh position, the No. 16 Ford experienced early handling problems. These problems, coupled with varying pit sequences, dropped Biffle as far back as 26th at one point in the race. However, through a variety of air pressure and wedge adjustments, Erwin eventually gave Biffle a car that was the fastest on the track. As a caution flag waved with 40 laps remaining, drivers entered pit road for what was possibly the last stop of the race. Erwin took a gamble, giving Biffle a speedy two-tire change to earn him valuable track position. Biffle soon made his way into the top five and was quickly cutting through the leaders. As Biffle motored toward the leader, time ran out; however, Erwin and Biffle had worked diligently to take home a solid finish.
A panel of judges, including a member of the local media, Robbie Reiser, Kenny Francis and a WYPALL* Wipers spokesmen, all agreed Erwin was a stand out in Phoenix and was a deserving winner. “Greg [Erwin] just never gave up today and just keep battling all race until he got it right, ” said Reiser of Erwin’s race. “It just goes to show what a crew chief will go through to give his team a shot. He really put it together at the end as everybody could see they were catching the 48. It was really a great day for those guys and especially for Greg. ”
As the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race, Erwin received $1,000. Mike Ford is the current leader in the overall standings with five wins. Bob Osborne and Chad Knaus are currently second with fours wins. Robbie Reiser and Steve Letarte are third with three wins each, while Tony Eury Jr., Jimmy Elledge, Larry Carter and Donnie Wingo all have two wins apiece. Greg Erwin, Pat Tryson, Tony Gibson, Mike Nelson, Darian Grubb, Alan Gustafson, Chip Bolin and Ryan Pemberton each have one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Year.
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