Although it was once just a favorite after school activity, racing has now become a way of life for Crew Chief Kip McCord. A 22- year veteran in the sport, McCord is ready to tackle the 2005 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season with renewed confidence in the No. 18 Dodge Ram Racing Team.
“I realized last season after we won in Dover that I had been part of five different driver’s first career NASCAR win,” said McCord. “That is pretty cool when I think about it. Chase is a great driver and I am excited about our chances this season. I am confident we can continue that streak and get Chase his first career win.”
McCord started his racing career in the early 1980’s with driver and friend Mike Alexander. The duo grew up together in high school and would go to the race track after school everyday. A few years later Alexander called on his friend to change tires on his race team full time.
“Some of the guys on Mike’s team nominated me to be a tire changer,” said McCord. “I went out there and practiced a little bit, and caught the buzz and was ruined. My life has been racing ever since.”
In 1989 the Alexander team closed the shop and McCord began working with the newly organized Filmar Racing Team and driver Bobby Hamilton. The same team brought both men their first Busch Series win.
While at Filmar Racing, McCord worked with drivers Jeff Burton, David Green and Kenny Wallace. Then the team relocated to North Carolina and McCord followed. He gained valuable experience during this time serving as team manager for their NASCAR Winston Cup Series team. Late in 1996 McCord left Filmar racing and moved his family back home to Nashville.
After a short stint with Sadler Racing and LAR Motorsports, McCord found his way to Brewco Motorsports and driver Casey Atwood. While at Brewco, McCord led Atwood to his first Busch Series pole at Nashville Speedway in 1998. And in his first 27 races as crew chief with the team, McCord (along with co-crew chief Jason Ratcliff) led Atwood to two wins, one pole, five top-five and nine top -10 finishes.
In 2000, McCord left Brewco and found his way “home” to BHR. He has filled just about every position available at BHR and become a trusted confidant to owner Bobby Hamilton. Last season he led Chad Chaffin and the No. 18 Dodge Racing Team to two wins, including Chaffin’s first career NCTS win at Dover Downs International Speedway.
“Last season was a learning season for this whole team,” said McCord. “We were able to build a winning team and put ourselves in contention at the end of several races. I gained a lot of confidence in myself and this team. We are ready to tackle the 2005 season with Chase Montgomery.”
This season McCord teams up with 21-year old Chase Montgomery and looks to continue the winning tradition.
“Chase is a great racecar driver,” said McCord. “We’ve had a very productive off season and I am very confident in our ability to achieve success. Chase and I have amazing communication … a lot of teams don’t have that right off the bat. I can’t wait to see the outcome of this year. We want to win again … that’s the bottom line.”
Notes:
- In 2004 Kip McCord led Chad Chaffin to two career NCTS wins, including his first career win at Dover International Speedway and his second at Indianapolis Raceway Park.
- In 2003 McCord served as General Manager for BHR before he went on to finish the season as Crew Chief for Bill Lester.
- In McCord’s 20 plus years in racing, he has worked with drivers such as Kenny Wallace, David Green, Jeff Burton, Mike Alexander, Casey Atwood and Bobby Hamilton in both NASCAR Winston Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series.
- In the late 1980’s Hamilton and McCord worked together at Filmar Racing as crew chief and driver. During this time period, the duo won their first NASCAR Busch Series race.
- Kip is a veteran Crew Chief and Chassis Specialist. His multi-task expertise has been a tremendous asset to BHR.
