RPM and their longtime director of operations part ways

Johns was named director of operations in 2010. Sources told Motorsport.com that former crew chief Philippe Lopez and Scott McDougall, Director of Research and Development, are expected to share John’s duties.

Johns joined RPM as part of the merger with Evernham Motorsports. The Lakeland, Fla. native started his career at local short tracks. His early foray into NASCAR was as a mechanic and chassis builder before becoming a crew chief for David Green in 1997.

Two years later, Johns moved to Andy Petree Racing with Ken Schrader. In 2001, Johns was hired by Ray Evernham as director of competition to work with the new Dodge program. He was also crew chief for Casey Atwood (2001-2003) and Bill Elliott for five races in 2004 before the company was purchased by George Gillett in 2007.

John retained the same role after the company was re-named RPM in 2009.

RPM has struggled this season. With two races to decide the Chase, Aric Almirola is currently 25th in the standings. Almirola, 32, qualified for the 2014 Chase after scoring his first Cup win in the July Daytona race. However, in his fifth full season on the tour, he has yet to finish in the top 10 in 2016. His best result was 12th in the season opening Daytona 500.

Rookie Brian Scott, who joined the organization this year, is 33rd in points. His only top-15 finish came in March at Fontana. Both drivers have led one lap.

RPM attempted to field Xfinity Series cars for Jeb Burton, but the program shut down after 12 races.