BUSCH: Team Amick Hires New Crew Chief

DARLINGTON, SC (Sept. 1, 1999)- Team Amick Motorsports owner Bill Amick announced today the hiring of veteran crew chief Sandy Jones.

"We're very excited to bring Sandy on board, as he brings an extensive knowledge of racing in general and the Busch Series in particular," Amick said. "The team felt that we needed someone who knows how to run well on the Busch Series tracks. Sandy has that knowledge, and he's proven it by winning at a lot of different tracks on the Busch circuit."

During his three years as a crew chief with Diamond Ridge Motorsports, Jones recorded seven Busch Series wins. Five of those victories came during the 1997-1998 seasons, when Jones was teamed with driver Elliott Sadler.

Joining Team Amick will mean a reunion of the Jones and Sadler combination, as Sadler is driving the No. 35 SCANA/Powertel Chevrolet in all the remaining Busch Series events this season. Jones hopes that the relationship and the level of communication he and Sadler share will benefit Team Amick.

"Elliott and I seem to be on the same page a lot of the time," said Jones. "Hopefully, that will give us an advantage in setting up the cars. Usually, it takes some time for a new crew chief to learn a driver's likes and dislikes, but Elliott and I have already established that bond."

The enthusiasm Jones displays when discussing his reunion with Sadler is amplified by the excitement he feels when talking with the members of the Team Amick crew.

"These guys are young, hungry and talented," said Jones. "They're all extremely committed to the success of this team, and that's what every crew chief hopes to see when walking in to a new situation. I think their youth and enthusiasm, coupled with my experience, can help take Team Amick to the next level."

Owner Bill Amick points to Brad Pickens as one of those team members most committed to the growth of the organization. Pickens, who served as crew chief for several months this season, will continue as one of the team's leaders at the shop and at the track.

Amick said of Pickens, "Brad did an exceptional job in his role as crew chief. He's been with the organization since we started, and the fact that he wants to help us take this team into the future really says a lot about what kind of person he is. He's got a lot of heart and dedication, and I have tremendous respect for him."

As for Jones, he'll definitely earn his pay during his first week on the job. Team Amick will field two entries for the first time in this weekend's Dura Lube 200. In addition to the No. 35 SCANA/Powertel Chevy driven by Sadler, Lyndon Amick will attempt to qualify the No. 88 "Rev It Up!"/Character Education Chevy as the team's second car. Owner Bill Amick hopes that this two-car effort will lay the groundwork for a multi-car venture in the 2000 season.