Childress drivers once again in hunt for title

DARLINGTON — After a disappointing 2009 season, Richard Childress was ready to shake up his organization.

So far, the moves have paid off.

Childress has all three drivers in the top 12 heading into today’s Showtime Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Kevin Harvick, who snapped his two-year winless streak two weeks ago with an exciting last-lap pass at Talladega, leads the points and has emerged as a championship contender.

“We got the cars running good … and we want that championship,” Childress said after winning at Talladega.

That wasn’t the case last year.

After a successful 2008 season, Childress expanded his organization from three to four cars and added driver Casey Mears. But none of the four teams won a race or made the Chase, so Childress went back to a three-car team in the offseason.

Childress also switched Jeff Burton’s and Kevin Harvick’s crew chiefs during the middle of last year. Todd Berrier, who previously worked with Mears and Harvick, was moved to Burton’s team at the end of last season.

Gil Martin, who previously worked with Bowyer, moved over to Harvick’s team.

The drivers immediately saw the difference.

“From the first race, we have run well. We haven’t won yet, but we’ve run well enough to win and the team picks up on that, too,” Burton said. “I believe in chemistry. You guys all know I’m not a big believer in momentum, but I am a big believer in chemistry.

“Anytime that communication is good — anytime that you have seen results through that communication — then that means the elements are there to be able to be successful and you can build on that.”
Bowyer, who is 12th in points, hasn’t gotten the finishes he has wanted but knows it’s a matter of time.

“I think we are fine. We have had some bad luck, man,” he said.

Another important move in the offseason was moving Scott Miller, who was Burton’s crew chief, to competition director. Miller has provided leadership in his new role.

“I think he just helps support those crew chiefs and keeps them pointed in the right direction,” Bowyer said. “Again, I keep using direction, but I think that’s something that we were behind on is direction.”

And Miller believes the team isn’t done.

“The reason that we got better is because we worked hard, and the way we’re going to continue to close in on Hendrick Motorsports and the other teams that are consistently running up front is keep working,” Miller said earlier this year.

The biggest problems RCR has faced this season are off-the-track issues. Last month, Shell-Pennzoil, the primary sponsor on Harvick’s car, announced it was going to Penske Racing.

Then there is the matter of Harvick’s future. He has driven for RCR since 2001 but is in the final year of his contract.

Childress said Friday they are close to signing him and want to have something done by the Coca-Cola 600 at the end of the month.

“It’s good for RCR, Kevin and all of us if we can put this thing back together,” he said.

Harvick didn’t have a lot to say about the contract situation Friday.

“I’m not worried about that now,” Harvick said. “I’m worried about Darlington.”