Danica Patrick's Cup Crew Chief Will Be Greg Zipadelli at Stewart-Haas Racing

Stewart-Haas Racing has announced that Greg Zipadelli is the new competition director for them, and for the time being he will be the crew chief for Danica Patrick and the No. 10 Cup car.

Zipadelli has 34 wins with Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series; 33 came with Tony Stewart and one with Joey Logano.

JGR granted an immediate release to Zipadelli, and his new duties at Stewart-Haas Racing will take effect immediately.

The bond between Stewart and Zipadelli is one almost like that of brothers. Zippy stated, "I trust and believe in him. He knows I'll always have his back."

The relationship between the two was described as "unique" and based on respect by Zipadelli.

Building the team for Patrick's No. 10 car will be his first priority, and his duties as her crew chief will begin in Daytona for the Daytona 500.

He will continue in that capacity until they find someone suitable for that position permanently. If need be, he will continue throughout the year for the 10 races she is scheduled to run.

Of course, he will also be working to build the organization in his new position as competition director.

Zipadelli stated in regards to Steve Addington and Stewart that "he was looking for great things from those two."

He is looking forward to working with Hendrick Motorsports and the great resources they have. Once again he will be back with Chevrolet just as he was in the beginning with Stewart at JGR.

Working with Stewart in the early years taught him patience, which will translate to working with Patrick as she gets her footing in the Cup series.

Zipadelli believes Patrick will do well with the Cup car and said, "She's got more determination than most people." He said her "want" and "desire" alone would be an advantage to her.

Stewart's reunion with Zipadelli has often been talked about, but the actual finalization of his new duties and release from JGR took place in the last 48  hours.

Information and quotes courtesy of Stewart Haas Racing teleconference with Greg Zipadelli.