Darian Grubb First Defection to Stewart-Haas Racing

The defections from other team members to Stewart-Haas racing has officially begun. 

According to Jim Utter of The Charlotte Observer, Darian Grubb, the team engineer for Hendrick Motorsports, is leaving to assume the position of crew chief for Tony Stewart.

NASCAR fans have been wondering who could ever replace long-time Stewart crew chief Greg Zipadelli. Apparently the answer is finally in, and it is long-time Hendrick Motorsports trouble-shooter Darian Grubb.

Grubb is reportedly leaving Hendrick Motorsports at the end of this season to join the new Stewart—Haas Racing team to serve as Tony's crew chief.

Darian Grubb has had a long and distinguished career at Hendrick Motorsports, primarily as the team engineer. 

In 2006, he served as Interim Crew Chief for Jimmie Johnson when Chad Knaus was suspended. During this time, he led the No. 48 team to two wins, including one at the prestigious Daytona 500.

More recently, Grubb has assumed the duties of coordinating the engineering between the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Casey Mears teams. He has primarily been responsible for the successful integration of Dale Jr. into the Hendrick organization. 

In fact, Hendrick Motorsports has labeled Darian Grubb as one of the most respected team members in their garage area.

While this is a definite blow to Hendrick Motorsports, it is a great plus to the new Stewart-Haas team and to Tony Stewart himself.

Darian Grubb's jump also signals the potential beginning of many more changes in the garage for the Stewart/Newman combo in 2009.

Will there be more defections to come?  There is no doubt about it. 

So, stay tuned for even more of the silly season of racing’s most favorite sport.