Grubb named crew chief of No. 25 Chevy

Hendrick Motorsports named Darian Grubb crew chief of the #25 National Guard/GMAC Chevys driven by Casey Mears in the Nextel Cup Series. The 31-year-old Grubb will lead the team into the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. "Darian is one of the most respected voices in our organization and has proven to be a terrific leader," said team owner Rick Hendrick. "He and Casey represent an exciting new combination for the #25 team, its sponsors and its fans." Grubb, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech, joined Hendrick Motorsports from Petty Enterprises in January 2003, assuming the role of team engineer for the #48 Chevys led by crew chief Chad Knaus. A native of Floyd, Va., Grubb was interim crew chief during the first four races of the #48 team's 2006 campaign, leading driver Jimmie Johnson to a pair of victories [including the Daytona 500], one runner-up finish and a sixth-place effort. Grubb assumes the duties of Lance McGrew, who will remain with Hendrick Motorsports in a leadership role. Hendrick Motorsports PR