Move To JGR May Bring Good Things To Grubb, Hamlin

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Engines are silent now as teams reorganize and apply new color schemes to sheet metal, transporter and the uniforms they wear.

It’s a time of year when those in the sport harness nerves and anxiousness as they wait for the 2012 official start of the season just over 75 days from now.
 

In recent days, one of the most mysterious stories from late in the 2011 season finally came full circle. It involved Darian Grubb, the championship-winning crew chief, and where he would land after his surprise release for Stewart-Haas Racing.
 

There was really no reason for Grubb to worry – not with the impressive Sprint Cup trophy under his arm. His voicemail on the home phone, as well as the cell phone in his pocket, were full of messages from drivers and team owners who actually appreciated his talents who offered a variety of possibilities.

After all, how does one ignore him? His amazing accomplishments throughout the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup were nothing short of mind-boggling. During 36 races, there were plenty of reasons to want him even if title hopes had fallen through.
 

In the end, Grubb accepted the position of crew chief when Mike Ford was released from Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team at Joe Gibbs Racing. Last Friday, team officials made Grubb’s new role with the Huntersville, N.C.-based team official.
 

"Darian is a great addition to our organization and person to lead our No. 11 FedEx team," said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. "Obviously he has proven the ability to guide a team to a championship and we are excited to have him working with Denny toward achieving that goal here at JGR."
 

Grubb’s impressive late-season run with Stewart included winning five of the 10 Chase races after coming from behind in points to overtake 11 other challengers.

He spent the past three seasons with Stewart and the No. 14 team when Stewart left JGR to start his own race operation in 2009. Under Grubb’s direction, Stewart has won 11 races and a third career championship over three seasons. Stewart has made the Chase in each of those years, finishing no worse than seventh in points.
 

Prior to joining Stewart-Haas Racing, Grubb spent six years with Hendrick Motorsports as an engineering and interim crew chief. When Chad Knaus was suspended due to rules violations in 2006, just prior to the Daytona 500, Grubb led Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team to the win and also to a victory at Las Vegas two weeks later.
 

"I'm thrilled to join Joe Gibbs Racing," Grubb said. "The chance to work with Denny is something I'm excited about. When you sit down with Joe and J.D. Gibbs you can't help but be excited about this opportunity and the team aspects of JGR.

“There is no question about the level of support you get here and I'm looking forward to working with everyone across the entire organization."
 

First and foremost, Grubb brings a much needed confidence to Hamlin’s team. Under Ford‘s direction, he was Hamlin’s crew chief for six seasons, the Virginia native won eight races in 2010 but finished second in points after having the lead going into the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

It seemed to be a statistic he and Ford simply couldn’t shake mentally. Hamlin could only muster a ninth-place in in points in 2011 with only one win, coming at Michigan, along with five top-fives and 14 top-10s. An engine failure at Fontana, Calif. and a crash at Watkins Glen, N.Y. certainly didn’t help their cause.
 

Grubb’s presence as a champion in NASCAR is huge to the entire JGR organization. Crew chiefs Greg Zippadeli (with driver Joe Logano) and Dave Rogers (with driver Kyle Busch) will bounce ideas off the championship crew chief in 2012 which will make all three teams stronger.

After all, Grubb is an engineer first and crew chief second and that means he has a strong mechanical knowledge that can be applied to what’s happening on the race track.
 

Hamlin should enjoy a rather festive Christmas season, knowing the disappointing 2011 season is in the books. He suffered through a great many frustrations and when those types of years occur, everyone involved with a team is relieved when the final checkered flag of the year waves. A sense of renewal comes with every new season.
 

Let’s not forget the fact Ford brought a great deal to the JGR organization. He is a very gifted crew chief in his own right and should be commended for his hard work - seen in all 17 of Hamlin’s career victories. Ford would be a great asset to any team that is looking for a new leader.
 

Just as is the case with any coach of any sports team, there comes a time when change needs to be made, no matter what level of success was enjoyed in the past. It’s required if a team wants to prosper and grow.
 

Many lessons have been learned and more will come in 2012. Above all, what Grubb brings to the table is the ability to remain ice-cold calm when the pressure is at its greatest. He made very smart calls from the pit box while with Stewart under some very tense circumstances, especially when the championship was on the line in the season finale at Homestead.

Obviously, five wins when they counted most spoke volumes and suggested there is something very, very special about the Floyd, Va. native.

Grubb’s mission statement with Hamlin should first be about getting to know his new team, driver and surroundings.

Secondly, to come out of the box in the Daytona 500 with a win or at least a strong finish. Actually, I’m sure he knows that the first 10 races of 2012 will set the tone for the entire season.
 

It’s common to hear of talented, up and coming drivers being talked about in the garage, thanks to the heavy media presence that often follows them.

That type of excitement also holds true within the crew chief ranks as well. Grubb brings tremendous hope to Joe Gibbs, all of his drivers, crew chiefs and teams.

The teaming of Hamlin and Grubb may be another Johnson-Knaus-style dynasty in the making. If the chemistry is right, it could be magical.

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