Grubb named crew chief for Mears' 25

CONCORD, N.C -- Hendrick Motorsports on Monday named Darian Grubb crew chief of the No. 25 Chevrolet driven by Casey Mears in the Nextel Cup Series.

The 31-year-old Grubb will lead the team into the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 18.

"Darian is one of the most respected voices in our organization and has proven to be a terrific leader," said team owner Rick Hendrick. "He and Casey represent an exciting new combination for the No. 25 team, its sponsors and its fans."

Grubb, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech, joined Hendrick Motorsports from Petty Enterprises in January 2003, assuming the role of team engineer for the No. 48 Chevrolets led by crew chief Chad Knaus.

While also serving as Hendrick Motorsports' lead race engineer, Grubb worked alongside Knaus last season as the No. 48 team posted five victories, one pole position, 13 top-five finishes and a series-best 24 top-10 efforts en route to the 2006 Nextel Cup championship.

A native of Floyd, Va., Grubb was interim crew chief during the first four races of the No. 48 team's 2006 campaign, leading driver Jimmie Johnson to a pair of victories, one runner-up finish and a sixth-place effort.

Grubb assumes the duties of Lance McGrew, who will remain with Hendrick Motorsports in a leadership role.