Rice replaces Barker as Wimmer's crew chief

HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Bill Davis Racing has promoted Chris Rice to the position of crew chief for Scott Wimmer's 2003 NASCAR Busch Series effort.

Rice joined Bill Davis Racing during the 2002 season as the shock specialist for the No. 23 NASCAR Winston Cup team and Davis feels Rice is ready for the job.

"Chris is a bright guy that has paid his dues," said Davis. "He has climbed the ladder real quickly and I'm really impressed with what I have seen in him."

"For all parties involved, it was a pretty easy decision that Chris was the one for this job," said Wimmer. "He showed a lot of his talents by helping turn the No. 23 Winston Cup team around."

Rice is honored for the promotion to crew chief and his chance to work with a talented driver such as Wimmer.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity for me," said Rice. "I am very thankful for everyone's belief in me to do this job. As far as Bill Davis goes, he gives you everything you need, as he's a racer himself."