There’s a familiar face back in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage — Tony Glover.
The veteran crew chief, who spent the past 16 years of his career working is some form or fashion with Felix Sabates through the SABCO days to Chip Ganassi Racing and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, is now in that same capacity with Joe Falk's No. 33 Little Joe's Autos Chevrolet team.
“Ninety-eight percent of my wins are here at Talladega,” Glover said. “I’m excited to be back. It’s tough when you’ve been doing something for 42 years and then have to take a break.”
Glover began working as a crew chief for his father, Gene, in the Late Model Sportsman Division (now the Nationwide Series) at age 16. He parted ways with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing at the end of last season, but still considers Sabates and Ganassi friends.
Mike Hillman Sr., working in partnership with Falk, called Glover on Monday. Although Glover hadn’t worked directly on cars for 15 years, the pair had worked together for Sabates in the late '90s. And Glover was grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s great to get back to working on cars again,” Glover said. “Just happy to get back to the racetrack and enjoy doing what you love to do.”
Tony Raines is driving the car this weekend, but Stephen Leicht returns to the seat next week at Darlington Raceway and two weeks later at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the 25-year-old Asheville, N.C., native has an average finish of 14th. Hillman says “if everything works out well,” Leicht will finish out the season in the No. 33.
