Sadler to lose crew chief to Reutimann

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. Rodney Childers was officially announced Wednesday as Reutimann’s crew chief for 2009, taking over the job from Ryan Pemberton. Childers joins MWR from Gillett Evernham Motorsports, where he previously served as crew chief for Elliott Sadler.

"This is a great opportunity," said Childers, entering his fifth season as a crew chief on the Sprint Cup level. "When I heard the position was available, I looked into it because I really liked the idea of working with David. We have the same type of personality, and as I see the progress MWR has made, I see it as a place where I could have a long future. Their relationship with Toyota also attracted me because it is easy to see their commitment to NASCAR.

"David really burst onto the scene this past year and has proven that he can do this," Childers added. "He is comfortable and feels like he's as good as anyone on the track, and that's really important."

Reutimann is hopeful he and Childers can maintain the momentum the No. 00 Toyota team had at the end of the 2008 season.

"I am looking forward to picking up with Rodney where Ryan and I left off," Reutimann said. "The team built a lot of momentum during the latter part of the season. We've just got to build upon that. I feel like we have improved a great deal. If we can continue to position ourselves in the top-10, the top-fives will come and ultimately our first win."

12/03/08 Rodney Childers will leave Gillett Evernham Motorsports, where he was crew chief for Elliott Sadler, to become David Reutimann's crew chief at Michael Waltrip Racing, according to sources familiar with the situation. An announcement should come later this week.