RELATED: SHR sets 2018 crew chief lineup
Longtime crew chief Tony Gibson will be exchanging his role atop the pit box for one in the Stewart-Haas Racing shop next season. Saturday morning, he expressed his appreciation for the move, saying he was eager to begin the next stage in his life and NASCAR career.
“As many of my racing family know, I have been trying to come off the road for several years,” Gibson said through his personal Twitter account. “Traveling 4 days a week for 31 years can take a toll on you. For 2018, Stewart-Haas Racing gave me the opportunity to come off the road and still have a very hands-on job within the organization. Working closely with all 4 crew chiefs and NASCAR.
“My career as a crew chief has given me so many memories I will cherish forever, but now I start a new chapter in my life enjoying some valuable time with my wife, new grandson Luke and all my family. I look forward to watching all the success Stewart-Haas Racing will have in 2018!!”
Stewart-Haas Racing announced changes Friday to its driver-crew chief pairings for the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Billy Scott will be Gibson’s replacement on the No. 41 Ford team. Gibson will continue with SHR in an unspecified role.
MORE: Photos: Drivers, crew chiefs on the move
Gibson, 53, has been with Stewart-Haas Racing since its first season in 2009. Over that span, he worked with Ryan Newman, Danica Patrick and most recently Kurt Busch. All six of his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series victories have come with SHR — three wins with Newman and three with Busch, including last year’s Daytona 500.
Gibson’s connection with racing success predates his debut as a premier-series crew chief in 1994. He has worked as a mechanic and a body-hanger, and served as car chief during championship campaigns for Alan Kulwicki (1992) and Jeff Gordon (1998, 2001).
– Tony Gibson (@TonyOldman41) December 16, 2017