The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

NASCAR-WCUP: Bill Elliott Racing Names New Crew Chief and Drive-Thru Crew Members

14 May 1999

STATESVILLE, N.C. (May 12, 1999) -- Bill Elliott Racing has named Wayne Orme (OR-me) crew chief of the #94 McDonald's Ford Taurus. In addition, the team has added Gordy Arbitter, front tire changer, and Greg Ely, shock specialist, to the Drive-Thru Crew.

"Organizationally, by having melded our in-house talent and filling recent voids with experienced professionals, we have been able to not only maintain but also improve the structural soundness of our race team," said Eddie D'Hondt, general manager of Bill Elliott Racing. "Wayne joined us in December and has been a great asset to our team while performing multiple functions, including crew chief of the #13 car in Daytona. After working closely with Bill (Elliott) and the Drive-Thru Crew, Wayne has proven that he is ready to step up to crew chief of the #94 team." Orme, 29, joined Bill Elliott Racing in December, 1998, serving as crew chief of the #13 Ford Taurus at the Daytona 500 in February. Since then, he has been a mechanic and chassis specialist on the #94 McDonald's Racing Team.

A native of Hawkins, Wis., Orme is in his fifth year working in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. After years of dirt track racing in the Midwest, Orme joined the Winston Cup circuit in 1995 as a mechanic with the #90 Ford of Donlavey Racing. He worked with Donlavey Racing until joining MB2 Motorsports last year as a chassis specialist on the #36 Pontiac driven by Ernie Irvan.

Arbitter, of Panorama City, Calif., has been changing tires since entering Winston Cup racing in 1995. He worked at Melling Racing in 1995 before accepting a position later that season as gear and transmission specialist at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI). During his tenure at DEI, he has changed tires for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Steve Park. Arbitter, 26, will wear the McDonald's colors on race days only in his role as front tire changer. He will maintain his current position at DEI.

Ely, 31, brings both racing and commercial experience to the shock specialist position. The Kutztown, Pa. native began his Winston Cup career five years ago after working as a product developer in the motorsports division of shock manufacturer Koni. Prior to joining Bill Elliott Racing, he served as shock specialist for Richard Childress Racing(1998-1999) and Cale Yarborough Motorsports (1994-1998).

Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.