Cheater crew chiefs return

Letarte returns as #24 crew chief after 6 week suspension: This week's 3M Performance 400 at Michigan International Speedway marks the return of crew chief Steve Letarte for Jeff Gordon, but the #24 team has not missed a beat in his six-race absence. In those six races, Gordon posted top-10 finishes in each of them – including four top-fives – and accumulated more points than any other driver, increasing his lead in the point standings by 173. "Jeff Meendering did a tremendous job filling in for Steve, but it'll be great to have Steve back," Gordon said. "I've been impressed with Steve's ability to call a race, and he has given me great cars this year." Performance PR Plus

Knaus returns to #48 team after 6 week suspension: #48 Lowe's Chevy driver Jimmie Johnson and the Nextel Cup Series travel to Michigan International Speedway this weekend for Sunday's 400-mile race. Johnson finished fifth and second in the last two races at Pocono and Watkins Glen. This weekend, Crew Chief Chad Knaus rejoins the team after a six-race absence. Johnson said, ""I have been proud of the team and what we have done without Chad. I think we have kept our pace up. But, we really look forward to having him back this week getting everything in line and getting ready for the Chase. I have to give our guys a lot of credit by staying focused throughout these six races." GMR Marketing PR