NASCAR-WCUP: Bill Elliott Announces Team Changes

3 April 1999

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Bill Elliott, owner and driver of the McDonald Ford Taurus on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit, announced the following organizational changes at Bill Elliott Racing:

Citing personal reasons Joe Garone has resigned as crew chief.

Jerry Pitts, who served as advisor to the crew chief, has been named interim crew chief, overseeing the Drive-Thru Crew.

Team engine builder Ernie Elliott will have additional responsibilities in his new role as race track performance supervisor.

"We didn't want to see Joe leave, but we understand his decision and wish him the best," Bill Elliott said. "I feel confident that we'll have a smooth transition with the changes that we've made. Jerry [Pitts] has been an integral part of the chassis decisions and has been calling the race from pit road, so we are confident that he can step-up to the crew chief role. Ernie [Elliott] will take on more responsibility along with his engine building duties. He will assist Jerry and me on the setup of the racecar and also assist Jerry in communicating with me during the race."

Pitts joined Bill Elliott Racing in 1998 as crew chief of the #13 Ford Taurus. Before entering the NASCAR Winston Cup series in 1995 for Bahari Racing, Pitts served as crew chief in the Craftsman Truck and Southwest Tour series. He is a native of Bakersfield, Calif.

Ernie Elliott has long been regarded as one of the premier engine builders and has provided the power for his brother's race cars for all but three seasons (1992-94) in Bill's 24-year career. Ernie also served as his brother's crew chief for 13 seasons (1976-86 and 1988-89). During Ernie's tenure as crew chief, Bill won 26 races and the 1988 Winston Cup series championship. Ernie resides in Dawsonville, Ga.

"At this point I will be trying to give additional guidance to get our team to the winner's circle," Ernie Elliott said. "I'll do whatever it takes."

Garone, who was named crew chief on Elliott's car following the 1997 season said, "I am leaving for personal reasons. This was a difficult decision to make. I feel the team has plenty of good people and it was time for me to move on. I wish the team success and I will always respect Bill Elliott as an owner, driver and friend."

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