Slugger Labbe to take over crew chief role for Austin Dillon at RCR

Richard Childress Racing announced Monday that Richard "Slugger" Labbe would take over crew chief responsibilities on Austin Dillon's No. 3 Sprint Cup Series team, with Gil Martin moving into a role to lead the team's research and development program. The change is effective immediately.

Labbe had transitioned to the R&D department at the end of the 2015 season after turning over the role of crew chief for Paul Menard to Justin Alexander. This season, Labbe has served as the part-time crew chief on the No. 33 Chevrolet often driven by RCR's Ty Dillon and Brian Scott.

So far this season, Dillon has just one top-five finish and two DNFs. The sophomore driver currently sits 23rd in the driver standings after a 20th-place finish Sunday at Michigan International Speedway. Jay Pennell/Fox Sports