Prior to the start of the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, crew chief Mike Ford, Joe Gibbs Racing, was extremely confident after great practice sessions proved that his No. 11 FedEx Chevrolet had the best setup possible. As crew chief, he had done all he could prior to the green flag to give his young star driver, Denny Hamlin, every shot at winning. And it seemed his work had paid off, as Hamlin wasted no time in charging from his third place starting position to the lead after only 24 laps.
However, after Hamlin was caught speeding on pit road (lap 98), and was forced to make a pass-through penalty dropping him back to 31st, Ford tightened the belts, mustered his crew and set sights on working Hamlin back to the front. An amazing effort between the crew chief, driver and team, propelled Hamlin through the field to register a hard fought third place finish. For his great pre-race efforts and hard work all night on top of the pit box, Mike Ford won the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race.
Having done his homework and having solid practice runs leading up to the Subway Fresh Fit 500, Ford made no adjustments to the No. 11 Chevrolet after the final practice session. “We felt the car was the best it could possibly be so we left it as it was after the final practice, ” said Ford. “When we had that drive through penalty I just told the team it was still early and to remain upbeat, but I knew track position was so important. ”
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