Brian Pattie joins MWR
Michael Waltrip Racing announced on Monday that Brian Pattie has joined the team to serve as crew chief for the No. 15 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team with driver Clint Bowyer, beginning in 2012. He actually started working at MWR on Dec. 1.
“Michael Waltrip Racing is an up-and-coming team, making improvements every day,” Pattie said. “I know how close it is to joining the upper echelon of the Sprint Cup Series. When I started talking with Michael about opportunities at MWR, I really did my research and was impressed by their commitment to getting to the top of the sport. I feel like this is a great opportunity to join a new team with a new driver and start building something.”
Pattie’s driver, Clint Bowyer, is also new to the MWR stable. The 2012 season will be the first with the organization for Bowyer, who left Richard Childress Racing at the end of the 2011 season.
“I’ve known Brian Pattie for a long time, and the thing that impresses me the most is how he calls a race and his knowledge of racecars,” Bowyer said. “We both grew up working on dirt cars and have pretty similar backgrounds. We understand each other, and I think we speak the same language. I know once we get together and start working we’re going to see great results.”
Pattie recently worked as crew chief for driver Juan Montoya and the No. 42 team at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. He was relieved of crew chiefing duties by that organization in July. While at EGR, Patti led Montoya to a 2009 Chase for the Sprint Cup berth and a race win at Watkins Glen International in 2010.
Pattie also has 18 wins as a crew chief at the Nationwide Series level.
“He brings a strong technical background, along with great leadership and Chase experience,” car owner Michael Waltrip said. “We Have high hopes for Brian, Clint and the 5-Hour Energy team heading into 2012, and we think this is the perfect mix of talent, experience and leadership.”
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Photo of Brian Pattie (left) with former crew chief and car owner Ray Evernham courtesy of NASCAR Media.
