Randolph named new crew chief for Labonte's No. 43

LEVEL CROSS, N.C. -- Petty Enterprises announced veteran Doug Randolph as crew chief for the No. 43 Dodge driven by 2000 Nextel Cup champion Bobby Labonte.

"Doug Randolph brings an outstanding resume to Petty Enterprises," said Robbie Loomis, vice president of race operations. "He was a winner in the Busch Series and he brings a wealth of knowledge to this team. Bobby [Labonte] and the No. 43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team need to take the next step. Doug is the leader that we feel can do that for us."

Randolph, who takes over the crew chief duties from Paul Andrews, will be on top of the pit box for this weekend's 3M Performance 400 at the 2-mile Michigan International Speedway.

"Paul Andrews is a championship crew chief that did some great things during his time at Petty Enterprises," Loomis said. "He is a man of high character that built a solid team around Bobby Labonte. We wish Paul all the best. We're still very involved with Tim Andrews as a development driver for Petty Enterprises and will continue that relationship."

Petty Enterprises has plans of entering Tim Andrews in the ARCA Series event at Talladega Superspeedway in October.

Randolph, 41, brings more than 20 years of NASCAR experience to Petty Enterprises. He most recently directed the Busch Series efforts of Regan Smith.

"Looking at other options I felt working with everyone at Petty Enterprises was right for me," Randolph said. "Bobby is a championship driver and the organization is very determined to get back to Victory Lane."