Waltrip team gets new Technical Director

Nick Hughes has been named to replace Dr. Eric Warren as technical director at Michael Waltrip Racing, the team announced Tuesday.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of combining the skills of our engineering group with the experience and knowledge of our teams and other departments in order to continue increasing the performance and competitiveness of our cars," Hughes said in a news release.

Warren had been with the team for 13 months.

"Michael Waltrip personally asked me to help get the team on its feet, and Andy Graves from [Toyota] was instrumental in me coming to MWR," said Warren, who joined MWR in September 2007 after stints at Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Penske Racing. "I feel like we were successful over the course of the year. I’m looking forward to a new opportunity at the pinnacle of our sport and wish the team continued success."