Evernham goes for the group approach

CONCORD, N.C. -- Ray Evernham plans to put the "team concept" to the test, starting this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway.

With former crew chief Sammy Johns now coordinating the team's research and development program, Evernham has decided that the No. 19 Dodge driven by Jeremy Mayfield will be managed by committee.

The group will consist of a team manager, chief mechanic and a rotating team of engineers who will oversee the crew operations.

"This system is already used by teams in other series," Evernham said. "With the way our sport is growing and the way technology keeps playing a bigger and bigger role in our development, it's almost too much for one person.

	Jeremy Mayfield and Ray Evernham. Credit: Autostock

"This new system maximizes the strengths of our team in an innovative way. I think that as we move forward in our sport, you will see more and more teams trying these types of things.

"Finding the right system to run any operation whether it's a race team or a Fortune 500 company is the key to success. As a company, we feel the No. 19 Dodge team can benefit from this type of organization."

Heading up the team manager position will be Dave Skog. He formerly served as the car chief for Mayfield.

Mike Kelley will be the chief mechanic, while still maintaining his race day duties as the front tire carrier.

Evernham, Dr. Eric Warren and Josh Brown will work with team engineers Derek Jones and Kenny Francis on all engineering aspects for the No. 19 Dodge team, as well as the No. 9 Dodge team of Elliott.

Johns was originally hired to run the R&D program in 2001. Johns will handle the day-to-day management of Evernham Motorsports test teams and race track activities.

"This is an important opportunity for me," Johns said. "To have the responsibility of developing the new Dodge and making sure that the cars we bring to the track are on the cutting edge from a technological standpoint is huge. There are a lot of factors that go into that and it's an essential part of our success at Evernham Motorsports.

"I appreciate the opportunity Ray has given me. While I enjoyed my time as crew chief, it was time for me to work on our future."

He will also oversee the research and development project coordination, which will include the chassis, aerodynamic, suspension, engine and future driver development programs.

The position will also put Johns working closely with Dodge Motorsports engineering and the Evernham in-house program headed up by Dr. Warren. Mayfield, in his first year with the Evernham Motorsports, is currently 25th in points with two top-five and top-10 finishes.

"We made a commitment to Dodge to help deliver the best performance on the track," Evernham said. "I believe that research and development is the key to staying ahead of the competition. In order to do that, I need someone who is constantly focused on how we can improve our performance.

"I originally hired Sammy for that role, but needed him in a different capacity for a while. He's done a great job as crew chief of the No. 19 Dodge, but now I need him back in the role he was hired for and he has risen to the challenge."