McSwain hired as Labonte's crew chief

Gibbs: 'We feel as though he will be a good fit'

CONCORD, N.C. -- Just hours after being released from his contract at Robert Yates Racing on Wednesday, an announcement was made that Michael "Fatback" McSwain will take over the crew chief duties at the No. 18 Pontiac of Joe Gibbs Racing.

See Also  McSwain granted release at Robert Yates Racing  Silly Season Updates

Joe Gibbs Racing already announced that Jimmy Makar would step out of his current role as the crew chief for Bobby Labonte at the end of this season to move to a managerial role.

Makar, crew chief for Gibbs' No. 18 entry since 1991, will finish the season as Labonte's crew chief.

"We are all very excited that we are able to announce Michael joining our organization," said Joe Gibbs, team owner. "We feel as though he will be a good fit with everyone else we already have in place here.

"And, most importantly, we all think he will be able to work very well with Jimmy (Makar) in his new role, along with Bobby (Labonte) and Zippy (Greg Zipadelli, crew chief for Tony Stewart and the No. 20 Pontiac team of Joe Gibbs Racing)."

	Michael McSwain Credit: Autostock

McSwain had been with Robert Yates Racing since 1999. This year, the team has one victory and is 10th in points. Last week, McSwain confirmed that he had interviewed with Joe Gibbs Racing about a crew chief position.

"I am excited about the chance I am being given to join Joe Gibbs Racing," McSwain said. "All of this is happening so fast and it probably hasn't quite sunk in yet.

"I know what I am being brought into to accomplish and I am looking forward to working with everyone to get Bobby and the No. 18 car back to the head table in New York."

Labonte won the Winston Cup Series championship in 2000 and is currently 17th in points with one win, five top-five and six top-10 finishes.

During McSwain's tenure with Robert Yates Racing, the No. 28 team achieved three victories and Rudd was a contender for the championship last year.

"I especially need to thank Ricky (Rudd) for giving me an opportunity back in 1999 and then bringing me with him over to Robert Yates Racing," McSwain said. "I also need to thank Robert and Carolyn (Yates) for everything they did for me.

"Without those people, I would not have the opportunity I do today."