Johnny Benson finished second in points last season. Credit: Autostock

Bruce returns to BDR as crew chief for Benson

Bill Davis Racing announced Wednesday that Trip Bruce will serve as the crew chief for Johnny Benson and the No. 23 Toyota Tundra in the Craftsman Truck Series.

"I couldn't be more excited to help incorporate the resources that TRD has provided for the upcoming season," Bruce said. "Johnny Benson wants to win his first championship, and I am going to do everything in my power to make that happen."

Bruce, a Virginia native, began his racing career at the age of 18, racing Late Models and Grand Stocks at Southside Speedway in Richmond. He became acquainted with car owner Don Beverly, and joined Beverly's team in 1989 as a fabricator and mechanic.

Throughout the next few years, Bruce worked for a combination of several NASCAR teams, including Richard Childress Racing, Ultra Motorsports and Bill Davis Racing. His first stint at BDR lasted from 1999 to 2003, during which time he served as car chief on the No. 22 car for Ward Burton.

Under Bruce's leadership, the Ultra Motorsports NCTS team in 2004 posted one of its best seasons ever, earning one pole position and three victories with drivers Jamie McMurray and Kasey Kahne.

Since 2005, Bruce has been employed by Evernham Motorsports. As team director, he led Evernham's Busch Series efforts, which yielded one win, two poles, two top-five finishes and seven top-10s with eight different drivers.

In 2006, Bruce led Kahne and Scott Riggs to two wins, a pole, two top-fives and five top-10s in Busch Series competition. Bruce also earned Busch Series Crew Chief of the Year honors.

Benson finished second in points in 2006 after earning five victories.