Inside the Garage: Q&A with crew chief Owens (cont'd)

Q: This season - how's it going?

Owens: Well we definitely needed a weekend off. The team has been working a lot of late hours repairing wrecked cars. When your employees are spending so much time repairing cars you don't have a lot of time to spend perfecting things. But the break before Nashville helped us get back on track and headed in the right direction. We have a fast car, especially with the new Toyota engine package. We'll contend for a win in Texas. Blaney excels on mile and a half tracks.

Q: What did you do in your down time?

Owens: I painted my nursery for my little boy due in May and a lot of housework.

Q: As crew chief on a two-car team, do you swap information?

Owens: Yes. It's truly a two-car deal. Now if we are running for the championship, that's a different deal.

Q: How did you get this gig?

Owens: I was hired as a shock specialist for Braun Racing in 2005 and I have an associate's degree in mechanical engineering. Then in April 2006, I crew chiefed my first race for the No. 38 Dodge just as Doug Stringer was partnering up with Todd Braun and the Chevy team. After that, my mind was set on being a crew chief. Todd Lohse [crew chief for Jason Leffler] and I worked closely together and found out we had a lot in common on how cars need to be built.

Q: Describe your style as a crew chief.

Owens: I'd say different from most, I'm pretty laid back and level. I never want the guys to be scared of me or be intimidated. Gaining the respect of your crew is important.