Brian Pattie named crew chief for Clint Bowyer

[December 06, 2011]  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Michael Waltrip Racing has hired Brian Pattie as crew chief for new driver Clint Bowyer.

Pattie was most recently crew chief for Juan Pablo Montoya, and led him to a spot in the 2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Pattie has 18 wins as a crew chief in the Nationwide Series, one in Cup.

Bowyer has moved to MWR after driving for Richard Childress Racing since 2004. He spent six full seasons in the Cup Series with Childress, but the two were unable to put together a contract extension to keep him with the organization.

Bowyer will drive a new third team for MWR. The team will also field Toyota Camry's for Martin Truex Jr., and a shared ride for Mark Martin and team part-owner Michael Waltrip.

[Associated Press; By JENNA FRYER]

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