In an effort to propel Jimmie Johnson into the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, Hendrick Motorsports announced Monday afternoon a crew chief change for their No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 heading to Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International for Sunday’s Go Bowling at the Glen.
Team engineer Cliff Daniels has been tapped to replace former crew chief Kevin Meendering who will remain with the organization in a senior competition role.
Daniels, 31, won the 2016 Cup Series championship as Johnson’s race engineer. The Smithfield, Va. native joined the No. 48 team in December 2014, moved into Hendrick Motorsports’ competition systems group following the 2018 season and rejoined the No. 48 team as race engineer last month at Sonoma Raceway.
“We have great confidence in Cliff’s ability to win races with Jimmie and the team,” said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick. “He’s a natural leader and tremendously talented from both a technical and communication standpoint. Cliff’s familiarity with Jimmie and the No. 48 team culture will benefit us a ton. He will bring the spark that’s been our missing ingredient.”
Through 21 races this season, Johnson, 43, has one pole and eight top-10 finishes including three top-fives. Following his 15th place finish in Sunday’s Gander RV 400 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, Johnson is 17th in the driver standings, 12 points below the Cup Playoff cut line with five races remaining in the regular season.
“Cliff has really shined since he came back to the ‘48,’” Johnson said. “When he returned, there was an immediate change in the team dynamic that all of us felt. We’ve worked together for a long time, have a ton of mutual respect and a shared vision. I have no doubt the strong connection and working
relationship is going to pay dividends right away.
“I’m so grateful to Kevin. He’s a truly awesome person who I think very, very highly of. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him in his new role. He’s a brilliant guy and will make all of us better.”
Daniels is a former stock car driver who raced late models in and around Virginia at tracks like Langley, Southside and South Boston. After earning a mechanical engineering degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, he was hired by RAB Racing in 2011. He was a race engineer for driver Tony Stewart at Stewart-Haas Racing for two seasons (2013 and 2014) before joining Hendrick Motorsports.
“We have an opportunity to win an eighth championship and a lot more races with Jimmie,” Daniels said. “I’m proud to be in this position and have total faith in the team and our ability to perform at the level everyone expects. We have the best driver, the best organization and the best leadership, so everything we need to be successful is in place. It’s always been my goal to become a crew chief, and I’m thankful to Mr. Hendrick for his confidence.”
Meendering joined the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports following the 2018 season, but Hendrick says he will be instrumental in the success of the company moving forward.
“Kevin is a talent,” Hendrick said. “We have areas where he can make a major impact and help all four of our teams be successful. Everyone thinks the world of him, and we plan to keep him as a key member of our organization for as long as he wants to be here.”
Johnson has led just 81 laps this season and carries an average finish of 15.1.
The El Cajon, Calif. native best finish this year is third at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in July
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