News -- TEC

RCR announces promotions
NASCAR Online
Welcome, North Carolina (January 29, 1998)

To accommodate the growth of his team, Childress has made several promotions.

Richard Childress Racing has announced the promotion of several employees in the engine department for the No. 3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet of seven-time NASCAR Winton Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, as well as in its research and development unit.

For the last three years, James "Spenny" Clendenen has handled the head engine builder responsibilities for the GM Goodwrench Service Plus team. In that time, his engines have helped Earnhardt to seven NASCAR Winston Cup Series victories and five Bud Poles. His new responsibilities as engine manager will include the overseeing of RCR's engine departments for NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers Earnhardt and 1997 Rookie of the Year Mike Skinner, as well as NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Jay Sauter.

Danny Lawrence will take over the position of head engine builder for the No. 3 team vacated by Clendenen. Lawrence started his career at RCR in 1985 and has been a team member for all six of RCR's NASCAR Winston Cup Series championships. He had handled the engine tuning for the No. 3 team since 1990 and will continue his efforts at the race track, along with his new responsibilities as head engine builder.

Greg Gunnell will continue to work closely with Lawrence as assistant engine builder. Gunnell joined the RCR engine department in 1994 and has worked extensively with both Clendenen and Lawrence on the No. 3. engine program.

"The growth of RCR has been tremendous," Childress said. "Operating three teams out of our race shops, we needed to utilize the people who have been a part of RCR's success. Spenny and Danny are both quality engine builders. Their experience and knowledge of our operation, along with Greg providing solid support in the shop, makes this a win-win situation."

The RCR Research and Development Unit will now be headed up by Steve Wilson, who has been with RCR for two years. Wilson previously worked for General Motors Motorsports Technology Group (GMMTG), where his responsibilities included the development of NASCAR Winston Cup powertrains and engine parts. Before joining GMMTG, Wilson spent 13 years with General Motors Laboratories in engine research.

"The competition in Winston cup is stronger than ever," Childress said. "We are constantly looking to improve our program with new technology. With the expertise and knowledge that Steve brings to our team, it will enhance our engine programs."