Where Are They Now?
People in NASCAR tend to change jobs much more frequently than they do in academia. Sure, a professor doesn't make as much money as a crew chief, but we also have a significantly greater degree of job security. This page keeps up with where the people from the book have gone.
- Kirk Almquist, former Car Director (a.k.a. Car Chief) for Elliott Sadler's No. 19 is now the Team Director (a.k.a. Crew Chief) for the No. 9 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Nationwide Series Car. Congrats Kirk! You can read more about Kirk and his twin brother, Clint in this article highlighting their origins at Palo Verde College.
- Josh Browne, former Team Director for the No. 19 Gillett Evernham Motorsports car is now Chief Race Engineer with Red Bull Racing. Rodney Childers, who was the Team Director for the No. 10 car in 2007 will take over as Team Director for the No. 19 in 2007.
- Kevin "Kiwi" Duncan has moved from being the shock specialist for the No. 19 car to being being the shock specialist for the No. 9 car. He's also be the rear tire changer for the No. 9 on race day.
- Tom Engleson, who had been the No. 19's engine tuner, is now working for the No. 49 BAM team as their engine tuner.
- Chad Johnston, after moving from the No. 19 to the No. 10 during the 2007 season, is the Race Engineer for the No. 9 GEM car in 2008.
- Tony Lunders is still changing tires, but he's also now the Car Director for the No. 19 car, taking over for Kirk Almquist. (I discussed the likelihood of Tony moving up and I'd like to point out that the book was turned in well before Tony moved to his new position!)
- Chris Miko, who had been the hauler driver for the No. 19 is now driving for the No. 9 GEM Nationwide car.
- Scott "Swifty" Swift is now the Tire Specialist with the 44 team of David Reutimann at Michael Waltrip Racing.
- Dr. Eric Warren, formerly with Gillett Evernham Motorsports, is now Technical Director at Michael Waltrip Racing. I believe he's the first Ph.D. to make an appearance in NASCAR.com's Power Rankings, which is significant–even if they think he's a medical doctor.
- Big Ed Watkins, the No. 19's jackman, is one of many college athlete stand-outs who have been recruited to the NASCAR pits. You can read more about him from a story from East Carolina University (where he earned his business degree). You can also get a little advice on how to jack up your own car from Ed (and see a picture).
- Ramon Zambrano, who had been a mechanic on the No. 19 car has become the shock specialist for the No. 9 GEM Nationwide team.
