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NASCAR BGN: Grubb and Shirley pass 'chemistry' test

6 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Chemistry between driver and crew chief is one of the most important intangibles in motorsports. Each needs the ability to understand and communicate with the other, usually under extreme conditions. Without solid driver/crew chief chemistry, success is near impossible.

Throughout the 1999 NASCAR Busch Series season, Kevin Grubb, driver of the No. 37 Timber Wolf Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and crew chief Terry Shirley have strived to develop a solid foundation via communication and driver/crew chief chemistry. The Timber Wolf/Brewco Motorsports team's recent performances prove their efforts have been successful.

"I noticed we were communicating better back in August at Bristol," said Grubb. "For much of the 1999 season, the team struggled and we were having a tough time getting the cars the way I like them. It was at Bristol that things changed. When I explained what the car was doing, Terry knew exactly what to adjust in order to make it better for me. The car got stronger as the race went on. The next few races, we continued to consistently get better. I knew then that our team was starting to come together."

Since running the Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 27, the team's results may not shine, but performance has drastically increased.

"We've had terrible luck," continued Grubb. "The car has been fast, but I was wrecked in three out of four races. The other was a fifth place finish. I believe our strong performances are due to Terry and me understanding each other much better. There was never a problem with our relationship. It just takes time to build a solid one."

Shirley, a veteran crew chief in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series before joining the Timber Wolf team in 1998, agrees with Grubb.

"It takes a period of time to find the likes and dislikes of a driver," said Shirley. "Lately, I understand him and he understands me. We spend less time trying to interpret what the other is saying. Our communication is much better than earlier in the season."

With a solid relationship established, the Grubb/Shirley combination look to steer the Timber Wolf car to the next level, victory lane.

COUNTDOWN TO 100: The No. 37 Timber Wolf/Brewco Motorsports team is counting down to its 100th NASCAR Busch Series start. Since 1995, the No. 37 team has made 96 series starts with the 100th coming in the Outback Steakhouse 200 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 6.

ASSOCIATE SPONSOR AT LOWE'S MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Wilco, a convenience store chain with 130 outlets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia, is an associate sponsor on the No. 37 Timber Wolf Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

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