After nine seasons of guiding Kevin Harvick around the racetrack, Billy O’Dea will have a new spotting assignment in 2014.
O’Dea will be the voice in Ty Dillon’s ear next season as Harvick leaves Richard Childress Racing after 14 seasons to drive the No. 4 Chevy at Stewart-Haas Racing.
The 46-year-old spotter from Victor, N.Y., expects the transition to be “a good little challenge.”
“It won’t be bad because I’ve been working with Ty since last year,” O’Dea said.
“Harvick, I know what he’s thinking before he says it. Ty is more quick with the wheel. Hopefully, by the end of this year, we’ll gel.”
Dillon graduates full-time to the Nationwide Series behind the wheel of the No. 3 Chevy Camaro. The 21-year-old grandson of Richard Childress currently is fourth in the truck point standings. His most recent win came at Kentucky Speedway. Dillon has four top-fives and seven top-10 finishes in 13 starts.
As for Harvick, Jason Jarrett, who currently spots for Ryan Newman, could be a possibility. As of Saturday, however, Jarrett has not been given his assignment from Stewart Haas Racing.
