Nead named interim crew chief for Waltrip's 55 car

CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Michael Waltrip Racing on Thursday announced that Gene Nead has been named interim crew chief for Michael Waltrip and his No. 55 Toyota.

Nead officially joins MWR on Monday and will call the final 12 races of the Sprint Cup Series season for Waltrip. Robert "Bootie" Barker remains with the organization and will be assisting engineering with special projects.

"We have a lot left to race for this year and we had the opportunity to add depth to the organization," Waltrip said. "Gene will do a good job working with my team and Bootie can help in other areas that should help me, David Reutimann, Marcos Ambrose, and our alliances with Prism Motorsports and Germain Racing. I want us to finish the season strong and anytime your organization can add quality people it should."

Nead is a familiar face to MWR. Earlier this season, he worked for JTG Daugherty Racing, which has a technical alliance with MWR. He led the team's Nationwide Series program with driver Michael McDowell. In 17 races, Nead's expertise helped the young driver record 11 top-15 finishes.

Throughout his career, he has worked in all three of NASCAR's major divisions, winning the Truck Series title for Ultra Motorsports in 2005 with driver Ted Musgrave. He also has worked for organizations such as Wood Brothers/JTG Daugherty Racing, Bill Davis Racing, Robby Gordon Motorsports and Kevin Harvick Inc.

• Audio: Change made at Michael Waltrip Racing