Childers tabbed crew chief for Reutimann at MWR

CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Michael Waltrip Racing on Wednesday announced that Rodney Childers will become the crew chief for David Reutimann and his No. 00 Toyota team for the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season.

"This is a great opportunity," said Childers, entering his fifth season as a crew chief on the Cup level. " When I heard the position was available, I looked into it because I really liked the idea of working with David. We have the same type of personality and as I see the progress MWR has made, I see it as a place where I could have a long future. Their relationship with Toyota also attracted me because it is easy to see their commitment to NASCAR."

Reutimann returns to the No. 00 from the No. 44 he drove for MWR in the final 31 races of 2008, having taken over that car after Dale Jarrett's final points race at Bristol in March. Reutimann posted four top-10 finishes this year and won the pole for the season finale at Homestead.

"David really burst onto the scene this past year and has proven that he can do this," Childers said. "He is comfortable and feels like he's as good as anyone on the track and that's really important."

Childers served as a crew chief for the past three seasons with Gillett Evernham with Elliott Sadler (2008) and Scott Riggs (2006-2007). Childers was Riggs' crew chief in 2005 with MB2 Motorsports.

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