Matt Borland asked for his leave of absence and desires to spend more time at home. Credit: Autostock

Borland may rejoin 12 team in another capacity

Crew chief asked for leave of absence, wants to be home more

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Matt Borland, who was granted a personal leave of absence as Ryan Newman's crew chief for the final two races of the Nextel Cup season, could return to Penske Racing South in a new role next season.

Borland asked for the leave, according to team officials, to attend family matters.

	Ryan Newman's average finish in 2006 is 20.7, the lowest of his career. Credit: Autostock
	Inside the Numbers Newman's stats with Borland (as of Nov. 10, 2006) Years 7 Starts 186 Wins 12 Top-Fives 54 Top-10s 83 Laps Led 3,410 Poles 37 Avg. Start 8.6 Avg. Finish 16.6 • 2006 stats, click here NASCAR TodayPit crew changes at Phoenix Sign up for TrackPass now BUY THE NEXTEL i836

One of the roles being discussed is director of team competition, which would allow Borland to spend more time at home on race weekends but remain active with the preparation of the cars.

"He's someone that needs to be a part of this team," Newman said during qualifying for Sunday's race at Phoenix International Raceway. "I want him to be a part of this team. None of that has changed.

"He's just in a situation now where he's got two young daughters and needs to spend time with his family. That's way more important than what he does at the racetrack."

Borland has been speculated as a candidate to move to Team Red Bull next season, but Penske Racing president Don Miller said the leave was not asked so he could pursue other opportunities.

Asked if he expected Borland to return, Miller said. "Yeah. Why not? Twenty-five thousand people have opinions, but none of them are close to the real problem."

Newman, who has won 12 races and 37 poles with Borland, said he's confident Borland will be back.

"It's obviously his decision, but it's something I would really like," he said. "He's a smart guy and obviously a great friend. I wouldn't want to lose any part of that."

Speculation of Borland's departure came during a season in which Newman has gone winless and captured a career-low two poles.

Team engineer Mike Nelson will assume Borland's duties for the final two races. He has been with the team since it began with Borland and Newman in 2001.

"I want the best person for the situation, for these two races and next year," Newman said. "Matt always has done a great job. Even when we didn't run well this year it wasn't all because of Matt Borland's fault."