Stewart, Waltrip announce changes

Date published : 08 Jun 2011 - 08:17:05

Stewart Haas Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing have both announced changes as teams start the second half of the regular season next week at Pocono Raceway.Stewart Haas announced that Matt Borland has been promoted to the role of Vice President of competition replacing Bobby Hutchens, who has been released by the team after filling the position since the outfit started in 2009.Both owner Tony Stewart and his team-mate Ryan Newman are currently in position to be Chase contenders this year, but neither has yet claimed a victory this season, Stewart winning for the last time during the 2010 playoff at Fontana."Bobby played an integral part in building Stewart-Haas Racing into a team that wins races and contends for championships," said Stewart."We're grateful for all his hard work and dedication, and I am personally appreciative for the responsibilities he took on Friday through Sunday that allowed me to be just a driver. We wish him nothing but the best.""... Matt has been with Stewart-Haas Racing since its inception as technical director, and with his extensive racing background that includes being a crew chief and competition director, he's well-suited for this new role."Meanwhile, Michael Waltrip Racing announced Tuesday that Chad Johnston has been promoted from the role of lead engineer to crew chief of Martin Truex Jr's #56 Toyota from this weekend's race at Pocono.Truex is currently 22nd in points, the same position he had at the end of the 2010 season. Pat Tryson, who filled the position since last year, will be "redeployed" within the organisation, according to a team statement.