Pemberton, Parrott, Kerr and Gould find new endeavors for 2019
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Motorsports Movers & Shakers
Lee Spencer RACINBOYS EXCLUSIVE -- Former NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton will oversee Andretti Autosport’s Pirelli GT4 American Series team.
The former NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition will supervise Jarrett Andretti’s foray on the tour, starting with the third-generation racer’s debut on March 1 at Circuit of the Americas.
“The new Andretti Autosport GT4 program is an incredible opportunity for the team and McLaren to come together,” Pemberton said. “I’m excited to be involved and we are all working together to get the program off the ground.
“After spending time with Jarett at sprint car races last season, I’m impressed by his determination. He is a good talent with a bright future. I look forward to working with him and the entire Andretti Autosport team in this new challenge.”
Pemberton spent 25 years in NASCAR on the team side including 18 seasons as a crew chief for a variety of organizations including Petty Enterprises, Roush Racing, Sabco (now Ganassi Racing) and Team Penske. He amassed 26 wins and 39 poles. With Mark Martin behind the wheel, the pair nearly won the 1990 Cup title.
In 2003, Pemberton was hired as the Field Manager for Ford Performance. He spent two years in that position before he was recruited by NASCAR’s competition department.
“We’re really pleased to welcome Robin to the Andretti family to oversee our new GT4 effort,” said Andretti Autosport CEO Michael Andretti. “A lot of effort goes into building a new program from ground up, and we think Robin’s experience and expertise will be a great asset as we get up to speed. We’re looking forward to a successful first year in the Pirelli GT4 America Series.”
StarCom Racing hires Todd Parrott
Todd Parrott has been named competition director at StarCom Racing.
Team manager Derrike Cope confirmed the hire on Wednesday.
The 54-year-old second-generation crew chief has 24 seasons overseeing teams in NASCAR. He won the 1999 Cup championship with Dale Jarrett and has called the shots for Bobby Labonte, Matt Kenseth, Elliott Sadler and Aric Almirola, among others.
StarCom fielded two entries last year. Landon Cassill assumed the majority of driving duties starting at Martinsville Speedway in March. He posted two top-20 results in the organization’s first full season on the Cup tour. Cope, Joey Gase, Gray Gaulding, Garrett Smithley, Jeffrey Earnhardt and Kyle Weatherman made Cup starts with the organization in 2018.
Frankie Kerr to mentor Natalie Decker’s transition with David Gilliland Racing
Veteran crew chief Frankie Kerr has joined DGR-Crosley in support of driver Natalie Decker.
Kerr will direct the 21-year-old Eagle River, Wis., driver’s path in ARCA, the K&N Pro Series and Gander Outdoors Truck Series. Kerr, a former sprint car champion, has served as a crew chief in both the Monster Energy Cup and Xfinity Series for 11 seasons. He worked with owner David Gilliland in 2013 and 2014 at Front Row Motorsports.
The 58-year-old Bensalem, Pa., native joined the company on Dec. 1. His first on-track experience with Decker came earlier this month at Daytona during an ARCA test.
“We were fourth in single car runs, quickest in the draft,” Kerr said. “I’m having fun building stuff and working. I don’t think anyone has really sat her down and taught her how to race. I don’t think anyone has explained to her how to race. I think it’s going to be cool.”
Phil Gould joins Niece Motorsports
Veteran crew chief Phil Gould has landed at Niece Motorsports.
The Lexington, N.C., native will oversee the No. 45 TruNorth Chevrolet with drivers Ross Chastain and Reid Wilson in the Gander Outdoors Truck Series in 2019.
Since 2000, Gould has worked with a variety of teams, including Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Childress Racing. For the last three yeas, Gould served as Ryan Reed’s Xfinity Series crew chief at RFR.
“Phil brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table – we are fortunate to have him on board at Niece Motorsports,” said General Manager Cody Efaw in a press release. “I was a car chief for Phil in 2016, so I can attest to his team-first mentality and strong work ethic. I think Phil will be a great fit with Ross and Reid this season.”
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