Reiser Wins Crew Chief of the Race award

The No. 17 DeWalt racing pit crew has become renowned for their fast work servicing driver Matt Kenseth’s car when the pressure is on. With team leadership coming from crew chief Robbie Reiser, it is no wonder the Roush Racing team has become the envy of others. Once again, at Darlington Raceway, Reiser was on the top of his game, with a seemingly flawless pit strategy, allowing Kenseth to earn another top 10, his eighth for the season. From the waving of the green flag, Reiser knew the right times to call Kenseth in for a stop to make the necessary adjustments to the No. 17 Ford Fusion. For his outstanding pit strategy and analysis throughout the duration of the race, Reiser won the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race.

Starting in 31st position for the Dodger Avenger 500, and facing a rescheduled race due to a rain delay for the second weekend in a row, it was going to be a tough day for the Reiser / Kenseth combination to weave their way to the front. With pending green flag pit stops, Reiser called Kenseth in early to be the first to enter pit road on lap 94, in the hopes of gaining valuable track position once the rest of the field completed the pit stop cycle. The strategy was successful as Kenseth, by lap 105, was motoring just out of the top 10 after all teams had completed their pit stops. By lap 170, Kenseth moved into the top 10 where he stayed for the remainder of the race. Not only did quick pit stops throughout the race provide Kenseth the chance to lead on several occasions, but it also gained him those all important five bonus points for leading laps.

At the conclusion of the race, Reiser was quick to acknowledge the effort of his team. “Those guys work tirelessly on their pit stops and I’m proud to say they are the best out there," commented Reiser. “Matt was really working hard out there today so we wanted to give him every chance at a good finish."

A panel of voters, including a member of the local media, Tony Eury Jr., Kenny Francis and a WYPALL* Wipers representative, were unanimous in selecting Reiser as the crew chief of the race. “We all know how much work Robbie puts in with his team and it really shows at the track," said Francis on the Reiser team. “He took a few risks on pitting that not many would have taken, but it just shows how well he can read the race and anticipate when he needs to come in."

As the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race, Reiser received $1,000. Earning his second crew chief of the race award puts Reiser tied with Chad Knaus in the lead for overall standing with two wins. Larry Carter, Mike Ford, Alan Gustafson, Chip Bolin, Ryan Pemberton, Donnie Wingo and Tony Eury Jr. each have one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Year.