Dale Earnhardt Inc. Names Hutchens VP of Competition

Dale Earnhardt Inc. has named NASCAR veteran Bobby Hutchens vice president of competition. Hutchens, who previously served as general manager of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines after a long tenure with Richard Childress Racing, will oversee all competition efforts at Dale Earnhardt Inc., including its four Sprint Cup teams.

Hutchens’ new position came as the result of a joint decision between DEI and RCR. The championship-winning NASCAR racing organizations have a long history of successful collaboration including, among others, ECR Engines and the RAD aerodynamics program that also included Andy Petree Racing.

“We are very pleased to have Bobby Hutchens join our team at Dale Earnhardt Inc.," said DEI Vice President of Motorsports Operations John Story. “Bobby will make a strong addition to Dale Earnhardt Inc. He brings two decades worth of experience and a tremendous amount of knowledge to our race teams. This is another piece of the puzzle that we feel will definitely further strengthen our organization."

Hutchens, who graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1982, is highly regarded in Sprint Cup racing for his research, development and computer testing accomplishments. Hutchens has managed and developed all facets of RCR’s R&D program, while overseeing RCR’s engineering, engines, engine R&D, manufacturing, chassis R&D and aerodynamics programs. He was named general manager of ECR Engines when the program was put together in May 2007.

He started at RCR in 1989 as a member of the No. 3 GM Goodwrench team with driver Dale Earnhardt. During his 20-year career at RCR, Hutchens worked his way from team engineer to shop foreman to crew chief and, eventually to vice president of competition.

“I’m very excited about becoming a part of Dale Earnhardt Inc.," said Hutchens. “Hopefully in the next few weeks and months we can begin to chart a path that will see Dale Earnhardt Inc. win a lot of races and compete for championships.

“I feel that my experience at RCR will be a great benefit and pay big dividends in both the areas of car and engine development," added Hutchens. “Hopefully at the end of the day we’ll all be very happy with what we are able to accomplish."

Hutchens is also an accomplished third generation Modified racer. In addition, he helped co-develop the Hutchens Device, a driver head-and-neck safety restraint system utilized in motorsports.