RCR Confirms Blickensderfer's Departure

Richard Childress

Richard Childress Racing made it official today, confirming that crew chief Shane Wilson will replace Drew Blickensderfer at the helm of the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team with driver Jeff Burton for the final three races of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. 

"I want to thank Drew for all of his effort with the No. 31 Caterpillar team this season," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "He's a great crew chief and I can't say enough about his dedication to RCR. Making the move now, before the season is over, gives Drew some additional time to pursue other opportunities. 

"Shane is a proven winner and I appreciate his willingness to step into this role for the balance of the 2012 season." 

Luke Lambert, who currently calls the shots for RCR's NASCAR Nationwide Series driver championship point standings leading No. 2 team with Elliott Sadler, will take over the No. 31 team crew chief duties for the 2013 season. Lambert served as interim crew chief for the No. 31 team in 2011. 

"Luke is proving this season that he's a strong, young crew chief who can win races and compete for a championship," added Childress. "

Announcing his move to the No. 31 team in 2013 will not take anything away from his focus on the No. 2 team winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship. That's his No. 1 priority. We merely wanted to show that we have both an interim plan for the rest of this season and a long-term plan for the future."