Jeremy Mayfield tests for Bill Davis Racing in October. Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images

Finley named crew chief for Mayfield, No. 36 team

Engineer has previous experience with 22 team at Bill Davis Racing

HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Bill Davis Racing announced on Thursday that Derrick Finley will serve as crew chief for the No. 36 OTC 360 team and driver Jeremy Mayfield. In addition, the team has added several key employees to its organization.

"Derrick has been an important part of the Bill Davis Racing organization for several years," owner Bill Davis said. "We look forward to once again giving him the opportunity to utilize his abilities both as an engineer and as a leader. He and Jeremy have had the chance to get to know one another over the past couple of months and we think the two of them will make a powerful and successful combination."

	Jeremy Mayfield has five career wins. Credit: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images
	MAYFIELD TO BDR Jeremy Mayfield will drive the No. 36 Toyota Camry for Bill Davis Racing in 2007.  •   Complete story, click here

Finley, 35, began his tenure at Bill Davis Racing near the end of the 2003 season and was chosen to become the crew chief of the No. 22 Caterpillar team for the final two races of the 2004 campaign. Finley spent 2005 calling the shots for that team before moving to the No. 55 team for the 2006 season.

Midway through 2006, Finley returned to his engineering roots and became a key part of both the No. 55 and No. 22 teams' efforts.

"This is a great opportunity to work with a driver who is as experienced as Jeremy," Finley said. "He's worked with some of the best teams out there and I've been impressed with his talent, attitude and ability. We've spent a lot of time together with the rest of the team testing and getting the chance to know each other and I think we have a ton of potential.

"Kevin Hamlin [crew chief of the No. 22 team] and I worked closely last year and there's no doubt we'll continue that relationship, which will make both of the Bill Davis Racing Cup teams stronger in the process. I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead of us."

Finley, a native of Albuquerque, N.M., and a 1996 graduate of the University of New Mexico, began working in NASCAR right out of college when he was hired by Dale Earnhardt Inc. He remained at DEI until moving to Travis Carter Racing in 1999 and it was there that he was given his first opportunity to move into the crew chief position in NASCAR's premiere series in 2003.

Finley called the shots for driver Todd Bodine at BelCar Racing for 17 races before moving to the Bill Davis organization.

In addition, Bill Davis Racing has added several key employees to its roster. Gene DeHart has been called upon to oversee the team's speedway program. DeHart most recently was involved with DeHart Inc., using his expertise hanging bodies and building Chassis for various Nextel Cup, Busch and Truck series teams. Prior to that he was with Kevin Harvick Inc.

Gary Grossenbacher has also joined BDR and will function as the Cup program aerodynamicist. Grossenbacher spent the past three years working as the Technical Director for Synergy Racing in the Grand American Sports Car Series. Before that, Grossenbacher worked for G2 Inc., on its General Motors Motorsports Technology Group contract, which included engineering design, manufacturing, application and support of NASCAR suppliers and race teams.

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Veteran crew chief Gene Nead has also been hired by Bill Davis Racing. Nead comes to BDR from KHI. where he guided the No. 77 Busch Series team. At BDR, Nead will oversee research and development as well as lead the ARCA Re/Max and Busch series programs for BDR driver Bobby Santos.

The engine department has added the knowledge and skills of Dr. Andrew Randolph. Dr. Randolph received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1985. During a 22-year career at General Motors and in NASCAR, Dr. Randolph's work has ranged from fundamental engine research to mass-production engine development and from Wankel rotaries to Pro Stock drag engines.

In the process Dr. Randolph has become one of the world's foremost authorities on combustion analysis. He has contributed to five Cup championships with three different teams. Dr. Randolph most recently served as Director of Engine Development for Hendrick Motorsports.