It’s the coming together at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series level of two former stalwart crew chiefs of the Whelen Modified Tour.
Tommy Baldwin Racing announced Wednesday that the team has hired Kevin “Bono” Manion to serve as crew chief for Michael Annett with the Baldwin’s No. 7 Sprint Cup Series team in 2014.
Manion recently parted ways with Chip Ganassi Racing after serving as Jamie McMurray’s crew chief. Manion celebrated victories in the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 with McMurray.
“Our original plan was for me to be the crew chief, but when the opportunity to hire Bono came along, it’s the right fit that will allow me to step back from doing both,” team owner Tommy Baldwin Jr. said in a release. “I can concentrate more on making our business and competition relationships stronger. I can take a look from the top of hill rather than in the trenches.”
Manion, a West Boylston, Mass. native, and Baldwin, both climbed the racing ladder through the Whelen Modified Tour.
“I’m excited to be on board with TBR and to be back with Tommy, Manion said. “Our careers have taken us on different paths throughout the years and we’ve created our own successes, but it’s great to be reunited and come full circle. Everyone on the team seems to have so much passion and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Manion fields a part-time team on the Whelen Modified Tour co-owned by Gary Putnam.
A ton of rookies this year in the Sprint Cup. This should give the sport some good breathing room.
Is he bringing his tricky headers with him?