Parrott to crew chief TBR's Nationwide team

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Nationwide Series veteran crew chief Brad Parrott will head a team of young drivers -- Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos -- in an eight-race schedule for the No. 36 Chevrolet as Tommy Baldwin Racing moves into the Nationwide Series in 2012.

Parrott brings more than 20 years of knowledge to the rookie program. The Charlotte, N.C., native has experience in both the Sprint Cup Series and the Nationwide Series. He has worked as crew chief and car chief for many successful teams in both series, including Yates Racing, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing and Roush Fenway Racing. Parrott complied 18 wins as a Nationwide crew chief. He won the 1999 Cup Series championship as the car chief at Yates Racing, where he compiled 23 victories in his five-year tenure.

"I'm glad to be a part of TBR," Parrott said. "Tommy has a long history in the sport, as do I. We've both been to the top ranks of NASCAR, as well as smaller teams. Now as a young team owner, I can relate to where his race team is going and look forward to many years ahead. I have been a crew chief in the Nationwide Series since 2002 and won 18 races. With the experience that I have, I look forward to bringing a young team with young drivers to the winner's circle. I'm thrilled to work with Ryan Blaney, Ryan Truex and Bobby Santos, as well as our partners. 2012 will be very exciting for all involved."

This season will mark TBR's fourth season of competition. TBR began as a part-time, one-car Cup team in 2009 and developed into a top-35 team by 2011. In 2012, TBR plans to compete with two Cup teams and a part-time Nationwide team.

"Brad has been in the sport for many years in many different positions," team owner Tommy Baldwin said. "His variety of experiences will help us build the Nationwide team from the ground up, in addition to assisting with some of the Cup program. His strengths will complement a lot of areas we need help with. I look forward to working with him and growing our program."