Burns returns to JTG Daugherty Racing

JTG Daugherty Racing has finally re-signed Brian Burns.

Burns, who led the No. 47 team and driver AJ Allmendinger to the company’s first Spint Cup win – and consequently first Chase berth, has been with the organization since 2011.

I feel like great things are in store for us this season.

Brian Burns

“I’m happy to be back on board as crew chief and I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone at JTG Daugherty Racing,” Burns said in a team release. “Last season, I was able to get to know AJ both personally and professionally and I feel like the relationship we have formed is great. Chemistry is vitally important to have between the driver, crew chief and team and we have all gotten to know each other more. I feel like great things are in store for us this season.”

First time is a charm

For Allmendinger, 33, it was a breakthrough season as well. In his first full year with JTG Daugherty Racing and eighth season in NASCAR, Allmendinger earned his first Cup win and qualified for the playoffs under Burns direction.

I wouldn't want any other guy to work with than Brian to help take our team to the next level.

AJ Allmendinger

“I am really happy to have Brian back as my crew chief,” Allmendinger said. “As the year went on, he kept growing and getting better as a leader and as the crew chief to the No. 47 Chevrolet SS team.

"He was a huge part in bringing myself and the team its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory and I can't wait to build on that heading into the 2015 season. I wouldn't want any other guy to work with than Brian to help take our team to the next level.” 

Looking ahead

Burns, 38, described 2014 as “a rebuilding year” considering the JTGD’s transition from Toyota to Chevrolet and with Allmendinger in the seat full-time. In 2015, Burns said the goal is “being more consistent.

“For us and to run as well as we did at times, win a race and make the Chase shows what an organization of our size is capable of doing,” Burns said. “I don’t know if many people realize it, but this is the first year we haven’t had to do something major to prepare for the season like changing manufacturers or joining an alliance and getting in new equipment. When you have to do something big like that, it clouds getting things prepped and ready.

“Now, we have the opportunity to go through everything and fine tune things instead of having to start from scratch like we have before. It should really help us with consistency so we can have the opportunity to finish even stronger in the points. I’m looking forward to starting the new season and seeing what this year has in store for us and all of our great sponsors.”

After 14 seasons as a team owner in NASCAR, including six on the Sprint Cup side of the garage, Tad Geschickter feels that “continuity in a driver & crew chief relationship is important.”

“AJ and Brian came a long way toward learning how to communicate with each other in 2014,” Geschickter added. “I feel confident that progress will continue in 2015.  We also learned a lot about how to best use the resources from our technical alliance with RCR (Richard Childress Racing). I’m glad that we can build on what we did in 2014 rather than being forced to start over in both areas.”