Darian Grubb was told following the race at Charlotte that he was not going to be back as the crew chief of the #14 driven by Tony Stewart. The team continued an impressive run in the final ten races, known as the Chase, and captured the NASCAR Sprint Cup title.
Still Grubb was already out the door. Next in the door may be Steve Addington. Many insiders such as David Newton of ESPN and Larry MacReynolds believe that the former crew chief of Kurt Busch will be the next to sit atop the war wagon of the #14.
The 2011 year was trying for Addington and Busch. They climbed as high as first in the point standings following a race at Bristol and later won at Dover during the Chase to reach fourth. In the final three races Busch ran out of gas twice and broke a sway arm that resulted in a 11th place finish in the championship standings.
Rumors about Addington’s impending departure from Penske Racing started early in the season. The veteran crew chief did little to squash the rumors and as the races went on there became a noticeable rift between him and driver Kurt Busch. Before Addington came to Penske Racing, Pat Tryson had operated as the crew chief for Kurt Busch. Tryson left his spot to join Michael Waltrip Racing but was removed as the crew chief of the #56 midway though the 2011 season.
Prior to being the crew chief for Busch at Pensek Racing, Addington served as the crew chief for Kyle Busch at Joe Gibbs Racing.
As for Grubb right now if he does indeed not return to the #14 car there are two possible destinations. Grubb could return to Hendrick Motorsports where he would take on the role of an engineer. The other destination for Grubb could be a move to Michael Waltrip Racing.