Crew Chief Hyder Leaves Wood Brothers Racing

The Wood Brothers racing team and crew chief David Hyder have mutually agreed to go their separate ways, effective immediately. Team co-owner Eddie Wood said Hyder, who has been the crew chief of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford since August, 2008, played a key role in helping the team work through one of the worst slumps in its 60-year history in NASCAR. "It took somebody like David to get us back on track, and he did it almost single-handedly," Wood said. "Len and I and the entire Wood Brothers organization are eternally grateful to him for his contributions to this race team. It's a shame we weren't able to stay together and finish what we started." Wood said he expects to name an interim crew chief later this week. Driver Bill Elliott and the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will be back on the track next week for the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Wood Brothers Racing

The 43-year-old veteran crew chief led the #21 Motorcraft Ford for the last two seasons. During his career, Hyder has overseen teams at Petty Enterprises, Michael Waltrip Racing, Bill Davis Racing and BAM Racing. "I enjoyed working with Eddie and Len," Hyder said. "The Wood Brothers are great people to work for and I wish them success in their future endeavors. I'm hoping to find a position where I can run full-time and compete for wins and championships." FoxSports