Edwards, Stenhouse get new crew chiefs for 2013

   Roush Fenway Racing announced Wednesday that veteran crew chief Jimmy Fennig will lead Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Roush Fenway Sprint Cup team in 2013. Fennig currently works with driver Matt Kenseth, who is leaving RFR at the end of the season.

   In addition, Scott Graves will lead the No. 17 team and defending Nationwide Series Champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. during his rookie campaign in the Cup series next season.

 

   “We are excited about this change on both fronts,” said team owner Jack Roush. “Pairing two highly successful veterans like Carl and Jimmy should be quite a matchup and it is our expectation based on what Jimmy has been able to accomplish with many high profile drivers, that it will provide the spark to get the No. 99 program and Carl back into championship form.

 

   “However, we are particularly excited about teaming up Scott Graves and Ricky. Through his extensive research and development work, Scott has an excellent understanding of the new 2013 body style. In his short time as a crew chief he has demonstrated a cunning knack as a leader on the pit box and he is going to be a great match for Ricky as he makes his move upwards into the Sprint Cup ranks.”

   Fennig has 36 career Cup wins and won the 2004 Cup title with driver Kurt Busch. Graves won a Nationwide Series race this season with driver Carl Edwards in Graves' first race as a crew chief.