New crew chief for Labonte named

Doug Randolph Named Crew Chief at Petty Enterprises
NASCAR Veteran Takes Over #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge

Level Cross, N.C. (August 14, 2007) -- Petty Enterprises announces veteran Doug Randolph as crew chief for the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge driven by 2000 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Bobby Labonte.

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 two-mile Michigan International Speedway.

"Doug Randolph brings an outstanding resume to Petty Enterprises," said Vice President of Race Operations Robbie Loomis. "He was a winner in the Busch Series and he brings a wealth of knowledge to this team. Bobby (Labonte) and the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team need to take the next step. Doug is the leader that we feel can do that for us."

"Paul Andrews is a championship crew chief that did some great things during his time at Petty Enterprises," continued Loomis. "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 the Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway this October.

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

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

-credit: pe