NASCAR announced on Tuesday it has reinstated Mike Shiplett Cole Custer SHR crew chief after a penalty late last season that led to his suspension.
Tuesday morning it was also made public that Shiplett will be the new Xfinity Series competition director at Richard Childress Racing after leaving SHR according to reports.
Shiplett was suspended in October just two days after the Bank of America 400 a crucial elimination race in the postseason’s Round of 12 in 2022.
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The official Statement regarding penalties levied by NASCAR against SHR and No. 41 team.
“Stewart-Haas Racing denies any wrongdoing and will vigorously defend its personnel against these allegations in its appeal with NASCAR,” Zipadelli said.
Richard Childress Racing has announced that Mike Shiplett has been added to the organization where he will serve as the new NASCAR Xfinity Series Competition Director.
Danny Lawrence, a veteran RCR employee, has been promoted to Managing Director of Team Alliances and Xfinity Operations.
Mike Shiplett, previously crew chief for Cole Custer at Stewart-Haas Racing, is now at Richard Childress Racing where he's the competition director for its Xfinity Series program. Danny Lawrence is promoted to RCR's managing director of team alliances and operations.
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) January 10, 2023
“RCR has a winning history in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and these promotions position our organization to continue delivering championship-caliber success for our drivers, fans, partners and alliance teams,” said Childress, Chairman and CEO of RCR in a team release.”
“We’d like to thank Danny Lawrence for his many years of service to RCR, and his efforts in developing young talent at all levels of our organization. Danny’s leadership is appreciated and will continue to be pivotal to our program.”
“We’d also like to welcome Mike Shiplett to RCR. We’re looking forward to the knowledge and expertise he brings along.”
Penalties to Stewart-Haas Racing for Cole Custer slowing on final lap: Cole Custer crew chief Mike Shiplett indefinitely suspended. Fined $100K. Custer and team docked 50 points and Custer fined $100K
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 11, 2022
Shiplett had formerly worked as the crew chief for Custer at SHR for numerous years both in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Cup Series.