Gordon Loses Crew Chief

September 29, 1999 / 7:58 PM EDT / AP

Jeff Gordon lost his crew chief Wednesday when Ray Evernham was released from his contract with Hendrick Motorsports.

Evernham oversaw the development of Gordon from a talented but raw rookie in 1993 to a three-time Winston Cup champion and winner of 47 races in five-plus seasons.

Evernham was under contract with Hendrick through the 2006 season, but in recent weeks decided he wanted to leave the team, which has not done as well this season as in the past. Gordon, the defending Winston Cup champion, is sixth in the driver standings and has virtually no chance of winning the title again.

"Ray let us know he had reached a point where he didn't want to be a crew chief anymore," team owner Rick Hendrick said Wednesday. "In response to that, we were planning to move him up in the organization, but he decided he wanted to pursue having a team of his own."

Evernham thanked Hendrick for allowing him to pursue his goal.

"I'm also thankful that he enabled me to work with Jeff Gordon, who is an incredible winner and may be the best talent this sport has ever seen, as well as our Rainbow Warriors team and crew," Evernham said. "Jeff and that crew will be winning races for a long time to come."

Gordon said: "My first thought is to thank Ray. He has contributed greatly to the success of the team, and I wish him success in future endeavors."

The team's new leader is Brian Whitesell, an engineer at Hendrick Motorsports.

The 35-year-old Whitesell joined the team in 1992 and became its engineer in 1994. He worked beside Evernham on race days, with the two of them positioned atop the team's pit box.

"This is just a fantastic opportunity," Whitesell said. "Working with Ray has helped me understand the dynamics involved between driver, crew chief and our spotter on race days. Jeff Gordon and I have always communicated very well also, and that's extremely important."