JGR confirms crew chief changes

As Motorsport.com first reported earlier this month, Dave Rogers, who most recently served as crew chief for driver Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team will lead the No. 19 team in 2016 with driver Carl Edwards.

Mike Wheeler, who has worked previously on Hamlin’s team but most recently as a crew chief for JGR in the Xfinity Series, will assume the crew chief position on Hamlin’s Cup team.

Darian Grubb, who had served as crew chief on the No. 19 team, is currently exploring several opportunities for the 2016 season, the team said in a statement.

“2015 was probably the strongest season we have ever had at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said team owner Joe Gibbs. “We won more races than we ever have, qualified all four teams into the Chase and were blessed to end it with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship.

“I think every year you evaluate each of your teams however and sometimes during that process you find that a change might be in the best interest for all involved. Mike Wheeler is obviously someone that has a long history with Denny and that No. 11 team.

“After seeing what he accomplished as a crew chief in our Xfinity Series program last year we felt the timing was right to move him back into our Cup program. Dave Rogers has also been successful in every role he has had with us and we think he will work well with Carl.”