Steve Addington Named Crew Chief for Miller Lite Team
December 14, 2009
The 45-year-old Addington, who was crew chief for 12 NASCAR Cup Series victories over the last two seasons, will team up with driver Kurt Busch and the Miller Lite squad that is coming off a strong fourth-place finish in the 2009 series championship standings.
"Steve Addington has a proven track record of success in NASCAR and we are excited to welcome him to Penske Racing," said Roger Penske. "By adding Steve to the winning Miller Lite team and working closely with Kurt, we believe we have the combination in place to compete for a championship as we head into the 2010 season."
With extensive experience leading teams in NASCAR's Nationwide Series, Addington first became a crew chief at the Cup Series level in 2005 with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Addington was paired with Kurt's younger brother Kyle Busch at JGR in 2008. The tandem proved to be one of the most successful in racing as Addington and Busch compiled more than a dozen wins over the next two seasons.
"I am really looking forward to working with Penske Racing, Kurt Busch and the Miller Lite Dodge team," said Addington. "This a championship-caliber team with a great driver and with the resources and experience at Penske Racing, we have the opportunity to add to the team's success starting next season."
Addington joins the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge squad that posted two victories with 10 top-five and 21 top-10 finishes in 2009.
"We're coming off a strong season, but I know we can be even better in 2010," said Busch, the 2004 Cup Series champion. "With Steve on board, I am confident we can build on the momentum from 2009 and compete for wins and the series title in the Miller Lite Dodge."
"The addition of Steve Addington to Penske Racing certainly reinforces the No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge team as a serious championship contender again in 2010," said Ralph Gilles, President & CEO – Dodge Car Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "We're excited to welcome Steve into the Dodge Motorsports family and with our solid lineup of Penske Racing drivers, we're confident in our ability to continue to win races and compete for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship."