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NASCAR WCUP: Kennedy to Replace Peterson as Crew Chief

30 October 1998

HARRISBURG, N.C. - Mattei Motorsports announced Thursday it will release Pete Peterson as crew chief of the No. 7 Philips Ford, effective after the season finale in Atlanta. Peterson will be replaced by Bobby Kennedy, who currently serves as crew chief for Winston Cup competitor Kyle Petty.

Peterson has served as crew chief for the team since taking over for Tim Brewer, who was released in April of this year.

Kennedy has spent the past two and a half seasons calling the shots for Petty, first with Team Sabco, and then at Petty Enterprises 2, following the formation of that team in 1997. The 35-year old Concord, N.C.-native is excited about his new opportunity.

"Jim Mattei is doing everything that it takes to make this a championship team," said Kennedy. "With everything he is putting into place, things are definitely headed in the right direction."

Kennedy will begin his duties with the team following the Nov. 8 event at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and will make his debut along with driver Michael Waltrip during the NASCAR exhibition race in Japan Nov. 22.

"Going to Japan together will be a good situation for us," said Kennedy. "It's going to help us get our communication started so I understand what Michael is looking for in the car, and he can understand what I'm saying to him. It's just going to get us a free race under our belt, and that can't do anything but help."