Darian Grubb, the championship crew chief for Stewart-Haas Racing who was fired after the season, has landed on his feet.
Darian Grubb Accepts Crew Chief Position For Denny Hamlin At Joe Gibbs Racing
Grubb was announced as the new crew chief for Denny Hamlin’s team at Joe Gibbs Racing on Friday morning, replacing the fired Mike Ford.
“I’m thrilled to join Joe Gibbs Racing,” Grubb said. “The chance to work with Denny is something I’m excited about. When you sit down with Joe and J.D. Gibbs, you can’t help but be excited about this opportunity and the team aspects of JGR.
“There is no question about the level of support you get here and I’m looking forward to working with everyone across the entire organization.”
After Grubb was told midway through the Chase he would lose his job at the end of the season, he led Tony Stewart to an impressive stretch which included three wins in the final four races and a fuel-mileage strategy at Homestead which clinched the championship.
But that wasn’t enough to change Stewart’s mind about wanting a new crew chief, and Grubb was let go in favor of former Kurt Busch crew chief Steve Addington.
JGR and Toyota are likely salivating at the prospect of hiring Grubb, who brings a wealth of knowledge from Chevrolet and knows everything Hendrick Motorsports is doing to its cars.
“Obviously, he has proven the ability to guide a team to a championship,” Joe Gibbs said, “and we are excited to have him working with Denny toward achieving that goal here at Joe Gibbs Racing.”
Hamlin, too, is likely excited at having a fresh start and the opportunity to work with a proven championship crew chief.
Grubb had to decide between accepting a crew chief role – like the one at Gibbs – or a management/engineering role, like the one that was offered to him by Hendrick Motorsports.
He ultimately decided being on the pit box was the right place for him, with more to accomplish and prove as a crew chief.
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