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Posted on Tue, Aug. 19, 2003
Parrott back with Yates as 38 chief
By JIM UTTER
ThatsRacin.com Writer
He's back and not going very far.
Todd Parrott, who took a leave of absence from his position at Robert Yates Racing as team manager earlier this season and at one time appeared to be searching for jobs with other Winston Cup teams, was named crew chief for Yates' No. 38 Fords and driver Elliott Sadler on Tuesday .
Parrott, who served as crew chief for Yates' driver Dale Jarrett from 1996 to 2001, replaces Raymond Fox III. He will remain with the team.
"The 38 team had some success in several races this year but we feel like we need to improve the performance so we can run up front on a more consistent basis," said team owner Robert Yates.
"Todd's experience will take the No. 38 team to the next level. Raymond Fox has done a great job for us, and will continue to be an important part of this race team."
Parrott said he is ready to return to the role in which he found so much success.
"I am really excited to be back to work and am looking forward to working with Elliott Sadler. Elliott is a young, energetic and enthusiastic driver who has had an up and down season," Parrott said.
"They have qualified and raced well at times and I hope that I can help this young guy get into the winner's circle. With Raymond and I working side by side I think it won't be too hard to find victory lane."
Sadler said Parrott's return will benefit the whole organization.
"I think Todd Parrott's return will help us find the depth we were missing at this point in the season," Sadler said. "I said at the beginning of the year this team could win a championship and I still think that today."
Parrott led Jarrett's team to the 1999 Winston Cup Series championship and has 24 wins as crew chief with that team. Dave Smith will continue to work as the car chief under Parrott and Fox.