NASCAR WCUP: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Hires Crew Chief Paul Andrews

22 May 1999

Veteran Crew Chief Joins Steve Park and Pennzoil Team This Weekend in Charlotte

Dale Earnhardt Inc. announced Friday the hiring of veteran crew chief Paul Andrews to serve as the crew chief on the #1 Pennzoil Monte Carlo driven by Steve Park. Andrews begins his new duties on Friday as the team prepares for Saturday's Winston Open in Charlotte.

Until Wednesday, Andrews, 42, worked at Penske-Kranefuss since December of 1996. Before that, the Maine native spent nine seasons with the team formed by the late Alan Kulwicki. While with Kulwicki, Andrews won five races and the 1992 Winston Cup championship. He won four more races with that team after Geoffrey Bodine purchased it from Kulwicki's estate. Andrews got his 10th victory as a crew chief last year at Pocono when Jeremy Mayfield earned his first career win.

"Things happen very quickly in this sport and I'm not just talking about the action on the track," said Andrews. "One of the first phone calls on Wednesday was from the Pennzoil team. I visited DEI Wednesday and talked to Dale for a long time and he made me feel wanted again. There is no doubt he has built a first-class operation. All of the ingredients to succeed are here. We have a strong team, a good young driver, and the finest in equipment and facilities."

Ty Norris, DEI's director of motorsports, said hiring Andrews was an obvious move for the Pennzoil team.

"Sometimes things happen for a reason and the timing couldn't have been any more perfect for DEI," Norris said. "Paul's record speaks volumes about his ability to lead a team. He has won 10 races with three different drivers and a Winston Cup championship, and not many people can say that. DEI was built by a champion and we have to fill it with champions, and that's what Paul Andrews is."

Today's announcement is a predictor of success according to Park.

"This business is all about chemistry and communication and I think if you look at Paul's record it's pretty evident he has enjoyed a lot of success with young drivers and our Pennzoil team certainly plans to help him continue that record," said Park. "I feel pretty fortunate to have Paul as my crew chief. I think he can help make us a pretty consistent force in this sport."

Andrews replaces Philippe Lopez, who resigned on May 11. Steve Hmiel filled the crew chief role at Richmond last week, but will now resume his duties as DEI's technical director.

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