TRG names Randolph as crew chief for Labonte, 71

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- TRG Motorsports on Tuesday announced that Doug Randolph will take the reins as the new crew chief for Bobby Labonte and the No. 71 Sprint Cup Series team effective immediately.

Randolph, who was most recently at the helm of the No. 07 at Richard Childress Racing, began his Cup career with Junior Johnson and has worked with organizations including Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Bill Davis Racing, and sat atop the pit box for Labonte in 2007 at Petty Enterprises. In their short time together, the pair garnered some strong finishes and are eager to renew their relationship under TRG Motorsports banner.

"I'm excited get started working with TRG. The new job brings me a new challenge, the opportunity to work with Bobby again and gives us the opportunity to bring that 'David vs. Goliath' story to life," Randolph said. "Bobby and I are very similar individuals -- we've always just clicked -- and that's something we hope to take advantage of."

TRG Motorsports owner Kevin Buckler was pleased to add someone of Randolph's caliber and experience level to lead the No. 71 team in only its second year of competition in the Sprint Cup Series.

"I'm really happy that we have added Doug to our organization because he completely fits the model we are building here," Buckler said. "He brings a positive attitude, a lot of great experience, a past relationship with several of the guys in the shop and he's got a successful working relationship with our driver and many people in the industry -- all of those elements are key to building a successful team and we're happy to have him on board.

"This sort of feels like the last piece of the puzzle is now in place and now it is game on and up to us to build our program in the 'new model / new paradigm' approach we have been talking about. This is going to be good."

In November, TRG announced Labonte as its full-time driver for 2010 with sponsor TaxSlayer.com on board for a good portion of the season.

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