NASCAR: Midwest Transit Racing Hires Crew Chief and Shop Forman

10 June 1999

CONCORD, N.C. -- Midwest Transit Racing's search for a crew chief and shop foreman is over.

MTR General Manager Lake Speed announced that John Monsam will lead the team as crew chief while Dale Watkins will join the team to run the shop. ``We're really excited and pleased to have John Monsam joining the team,'' said Speed. ``I've watched John working hard and coming up through the ranks, in everything he has done he has made an improvement. We're looking forward to the leadership and experience he can bring to Midwest Transit Racing.''

Monsam, (38), has been involved in racing for 15 years. He currently resides in Sherrills Ford, N.C., with his wife Cinde and daughter Darby. Becoming a Winston Cup crew chief is something Monsam has worked for all his life.

"This is a great challenge." said Monsam. "This has been a goal of mine since I was a kid watching my dad's cars in Connecticut. I feel once we get the right driver, we will be able to move to the next level - and be a competitive team!"

Watkins, (47), will direct the day-to-day operation of the race shop, keep track of inventory and production of racecars. He has 12 years of NASCAR experience.

``I've known Dale since the mid-1980's,'' said Speed. ``I gave Dale his first job in Winston Cup racing. Since then he and I have been friends and have great respect for one another. I'm honored to be reunited with him.''

Watkins said he was eager to start his new assignment with Midwest Transit Racing, which is owned by Hal Hicks and Mike Witters. ``This is a great opportunity,'' said Watkins. ``To be able to work with Lake again and having also worked with John in the past, I feel this is going to be a great atmosphere.''

Speed is in the midst of reorganizing Midwest Transit Racing. He said the next step is hiring a driver with Winston Cup experience. The team's next race is the Pepsi 400, scheduled July 3 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

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