TALLADEGA, Ala. -- If there were any doubts whatsoever about whose decision it was to swap the crews and crew chiefs of two prominent Cup Series teams, those were put to rest Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway.

"I own the company, so it must have been my decision," Richard Childress stated emphatically.

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I know Todd is one my best friends in the world, and that's the part I've had the most trouble coping with. Richard [Childress] feels strongly about it. And I think everybody's got some enthusiasm about it, so I think that's a good thing.

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-- KEVIN HARVICK

Following the Aaron's 499 Cup race Sunday, the crews and crew chiefs for the No. 07 and driver Casey Mears will swap with those of the No. 29 driven by Kevin Harvick. Both Mears and Harvick said they were not consulted about the move that will go into effect beginning with next weekend's race at Richmond (read more).

Entering Sunday's event at Talladega, Harvick was 16th in the point standings and Mears, in his first season of driving at RCR, was 22nd. Childress admitted that he was concerned about both cars falling too far behind to make the top 12 that qualify for the Chase.

Sunday's race will be the 11th of the 26-race "regular season," making Childress very nervous.

"In today's environment, you can't wait sometime halfway through the season," Childress said. "With the point structure like it is, you've got to make changes to make the Chase. We only have so many races before the Chase."

So as of next week, long-time Harvick crew chief Todd Berrier will become the crew chief for Mears. Gil Martin, who served last year as Clint Bowyer's crew chief but this year started out with Mears, will switch to Harvick. The rest of the crews on the No. 07 and No. 29 teams also will swap places.

"I'm OK with it," Mears said. "I think the main reason why those decisions were made is because we haven't had the success that we wanted at the beginning of the year. It's no one's particular fault. I think it's just adjusting and getting used to everybody.

"And then they wanted to shake it up over on the 29 side of things, so it just kind of worked out. At the end of the day, it's not that big of a deal. I really enjoy working with Gil and all these guys. I've had a lot of fun with them this year. We haven't had the results that we need, but I think we're really getting to the point where we're starting to understand each other. At the same time, I've known Todd for a long time and all those guys are great, too. To me, it's just a change. It's not good or bad. Just have to take a little time getting to know those guys and hopefully we do it sooner rather than later.'' (Continued)