New crew chief for Newman
Mike Nelson, who crew chiefed #12 Ryan Newman for the final two 2006 Nextel Cup races, was named crew chief for the Penske #12 team last week.
Matt Borland, most recently crew chief for Newman, met with team owner Roger Penske after the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami and indicated his desire to stay with the team in some capacity.
Borland missed the season's final two races, for what he cited as personal reasons, leading to speculation he was leaving the team after it suffered through a subpar season. In 2006, Newman experienced his first winless season since he began competing in the Nextel Cup Series full time in 2002.
Borland became Newman's crew chief in 2000 and helped guide the team to 12 wins along with two appearances in the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup.
However, with both the Penske teams missing the Chase this year, Borland's role at the organization could change in 2007 to more of a senior management position.
Mike Nelson, who crew chiefed #12 Ryan Newman for the final two 2006 Nextel Cup races, was named crew chief for the Penske #12 team last week.
Matt Borland, most recently crew chief for Newman, met with team owner Roger Penske after the season-ending race at Homestead-Miami and indicated his desire to stay with the team in some capacity.
Borland missed the season's final two races, for what he cited as personal reasons, leading to speculation he was leaving the team after it suffered through a subpar season. In 2006, Newman experienced his first winless season since he began competing in the Nextel Cup Series full time in 2002.
Borland became Newman's crew chief in 2000 and helped guide the team to 12 wins along with two appearances in the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup.
However, with both the Penske teams missing the Chase this year, Borland's role at the organization could change in 2007 to more of a senior management position.