ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 30, 1996 TAG: 9612020103
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Knight-Ridder/Tribune and Associated Press reports
Larry McReynolds, rated among the very best crew chiefs in NASCAR's Winston Cup series, will prepare Chevrolets for Dale Earnhardt in 1997.
McReynolds confirmed Friday he has resigned from Robert Yates Racing, which fields Fords for driver Ernie Irvan, to join Earnhardt and team owner Richard Childress.
``The decision to leave is one of the toughest I've ever had to make,'' said McReynolds, who has been a crew chief at NASCAR's top level since 1986. ``Every member of Robert Yates Racing is very special to me. I wish them and the team the best.''
McReynolds will go to work for the Richard Childress Racing operation, based in Welcome, N.C., on Dec.16.
``I can't wait for Larry to get started with us,'' said Earnhardt, who shares the record for Winston Cup titles with retiree Richard Petty at seven each. ``He's one of the most respected competitors in the sport.
``With Larry's addition I feel another championship is closer than ever. We have lost races to cars he prepared. I'm glad to have him working for us rather than against us.''
McReynolds succeeds David Smith as leader of Earnhardt's team. Smith is moving to a new Childress team that will field Chevys on the Winston Cup tour for former truck series champion Mike Skinner starting in '97.
LENGTH: Short : 34 linesby CNB