Boyer Becomes Yeley's Crew Chief

[March 19, 2008]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Boyer, who has worked in the engineering department with the team since December, replaces Brandon Thomas. Boyer previously worked as a crew chief at Chip Ganassi Racing when Hall of Fame co-owner Tom Garfinkel was an executive with that team.

"Steve has earned the respect and trust of J.J. and the team in his short tenure here," Garfinkel said. "He has a tremendous amount of experience that will be valuable."

Thomas took over as crew chief in October 2006 when Tony Raines was driving the No. 96. He stayed on board when Yeley moved to the team this year, but the team has struggled through the first month and is 31st in the points heading into next week's race at Martinsville Speedway.

Boyer was previously a crew chief at Ganassi for Sterling Marlin for the last six races of 2004 and the entire 2005 season. He spent several years in the engineering department and was interim team manager there for part of 2006.

Before joining Ganassi, Boyer spent nine years working for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

[Associated Press; By JON KRAWCZYNSKI]

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