Steve Addington
Encyclopedia
Steve Addington is an American
NASCAR
Sprint Cup crew chief for the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet
currently driven by Tony Stewart
and owned by Stewart-Haas Racing. Previously, he was the crew chief of the #22 Pennzoil
Dodge Charger
driven by Kurt Busch
, and the #18 M&Ms Toyota driven by Kurt's brother Kyle Busch
. Before that, he was a long-time crew chief in the Busch Series (now Nationwide Series), most recently for Mike Bliss
, as well as an extended partnership with Jason Keller
.
. As a kid, he was a fan of dirt track races. At age 14, Addington's mother remarried and then the family moved to Batesville, Arkansas
where his stepfather began working for Mark Martin
.
Although his stepfather worked for a successful Martin, Addington preferred to play football. He graduated from
Central High School in Texas and moved back to Spartanburg. Addington's start in racing came as he helped friends compete in dirt cars.
's crew chief in the Busch Series, and the combination resulted in 10 wins, seven Top 10s, and finished in the season points. Addington worked in 2004 as the Joe Gibbs Racing crew chief for their #20 NASCAR Busch Series. Driver Mike Bliss
finished fifth in points.
In 2005, Addington was named the crew chief for Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 car driven by Bobby Labonte
, replacing Mike "Fatback" McSwain. Labonte left for Petty Enterprises
and was replaced by J. J. Yeley
for two years. Kyle Busch replaced Yeley as the driver of the #18 car in 2008 and Addington remained as the crew chief. NASCAR observer's did not know what to expect from the combination, as the team did not just change its driver. It also changed sponsorship from Interstate Batteries
to M&M's
and from a Chevrolet
car to a Toyota. On March 9, 2008, Addington scored his first win as a NASCAR Sprint Cup crew chief when the 18 team won the Kobalt Tools 500 in Atlanta, Georgia with driver Kyle Busch, and he was awarded the "Crew Chief of the Race". Busch lead the points with eight wins going into the Chase for the Cup. The team had numerous problems as soon as the Chase started, such as engine failures and wrecks, and Busch finished tenth in the twelve drivers in the Chase. Addington was named the DirecTV Crew Chief of the Year Award at NASCAR's award banquet. Busch ended the season with 21 victories in NASCAR's big three divisions (Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Craftsman Truck Series
), which was seven more wins that any driver had made since the Craftman Truck Series began in 1995. Busch said "I think the final ten races certainly humbled all of us. Everyone already had virtually guaranteed us the championship after seeing the first 26 races, but it changed so quickly." Addington was relieved of his crew chief duties with three races left in the 2009 season and Dave Rogers took over the role.
On December 14, 2009, it was reported that Addington had accepted a deal to become the next crew chief for Kyle's
brother Kurt Busch
, replacing outgoing crew chief Pat Tryson
, who had been relieved of his duties following the 2009 Sprint Cup Season. It is reported that the deal is for three years.
to attend his daughter Ashlyn's graduation from Boiling Springs High School
in Boiling Springs, South Carolina
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
Sprint Cup crew chief for the #14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
currently driven by Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart
Anthony Wayne "Tony" Stewart is an American auto racing driver and owner. Throughout his racing career, Stewart has won titles in Indy cars and stock cars as well as midget, sprint and USAC Silver Crown cars, giving him the recognition of "one of the finest racers of his generation."Stewart...
and owned by Stewart-Haas Racing. Previously, he was the crew chief of the #22 Pennzoil
Pennzoil
Pennzoil is an American oil company founded in Los Angeles, California in 1913. In 1955, it was acquired by Oil City, Pennsylvania company South Penn Oil, a former branch of Standard Oil. In 1963, South Penn Oil merged with Zapata Petroleum; the merged company took the Pennzoil name. During the...
Dodge Charger
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is an American automobile manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler. There have been several different Dodge vehicles, built on three different platforms and sizes, all bearing the Charger nameplate...
driven by Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch
Kurt Thomas Busch is an American NASCAR and NHRA driver. He drives the No. 22 Shell Oil Company/Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and will race on an "opportunity permitting" basis in the Pro Stock division of NHRA...
, and the #18 M&Ms Toyota driven by Kurt's brother Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch
Kyle Thomas Busch, is an American NASCAR driver and team owner. He currently drives the No. 18 Mars/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Sprint Cup Series, the No. 18 Z-Line Designs/NOS Energy Drink Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs in the Nationwide Series, and the No...
. Before that, he was a long-time crew chief in the Busch Series (now Nationwide Series), most recently for Mike Bliss
Mike Bliss
Michael Bliss is a NASCAR driver who has run in all three major series. He currently drives the #19 Chevrolet Impala for TriStar Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He began racing at age 10...
, as well as an extended partnership with Jason Keller
Jason Keller
For the American writer, see Jason Keller Jason Keller is a NASCAR racing driver who currently drives the #44 Chevrolet for Tri-Star Motorsports in the Nationwide Series. A mainstay in the Busch/Nationwide Series since his debut in 1991...
.
Early life
Addington was born in Spartanburg, South CarolinaSpartanburg, South Carolina
thgSpartanburg is the largest city in and the county seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. It is the second-largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina, and is located northwest of Columbia, west of Charlotte, and about northeast of...
. As a kid, he was a fan of dirt track races. At age 14, Addington's mother remarried and then the family moved to Batesville, Arkansas
Batesville, Arkansas
Batesville is the county seat and largest city of Independence County, Arkansas, United States, 80 miles northeast of Little Rock, the state capital. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city was 9,556...
where his stepfather began working for Mark Martin
Mark Martin
Mark Martin may refer to:* Mark Martin , American racecar driver* Mark Martin , American cartoonist* Mark Martin , American judge* Mark Martin , British murderer...
.
Although his stepfather worked for a successful Martin, Addington preferred to play football. He graduated from
Central High School in Texas and moved back to Spartanburg. Addington's start in racing came as he helped friends compete in dirt cars.
NASCAR career
Addington worked as Jason KellerJason Keller
For the American writer, see Jason Keller Jason Keller is a NASCAR racing driver who currently drives the #44 Chevrolet for Tri-Star Motorsports in the Nationwide Series. A mainstay in the Busch/Nationwide Series since his debut in 1991...
's crew chief in the Busch Series, and the combination resulted in 10 wins, seven Top 10s, and finished in the season points. Addington worked in 2004 as the Joe Gibbs Racing crew chief for their #20 NASCAR Busch Series. Driver Mike Bliss
Mike Bliss
Michael Bliss is a NASCAR driver who has run in all three major series. He currently drives the #19 Chevrolet Impala for TriStar Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He began racing at age 10...
finished fifth in points.
In 2005, Addington was named the crew chief for Joe Gibbs Racing's #18 car driven by Bobby Labonte
Bobby Labonte
Robert Alan "Bobby" Labonte is an American race car driver in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. He currently drives the #47 Kroger/Clorox/Kimberly-Clark/Kingsford/Reese Towpower Hitches Toyota Camry for JTG Daugherty Racing. He currently resides in Trinity, North Carolina. He is married to his wife...
, replacing Mike "Fatback" McSwain. Labonte left for Petty Enterprises
Petty Enterprises
Petty Enterprises was a NASCAR racing team based in Randleman, North Carolina, USA. The team was owned by Richard Petty, his son Kyle Petty, and Boston Ventures. At the time of its folding the team operated the #43 and #45 Dodge Chargers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Petty Enterprises ran from...
and was replaced by J. J. Yeley
J. J. Yeley
Christopher Beltram Hernandez Yeley is a NASCAR driver. Nicknamed "J. J." , he is currently a competitor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, driving for Front Row Motorsports.-Open wheel:Yeley initially made a mark for himself in the world of auto racing when he took the Hoosier state by...
for two years. Kyle Busch replaced Yeley as the driver of the #18 car in 2008 and Addington remained as the crew chief. NASCAR observer's did not know what to expect from the combination, as the team did not just change its driver. It also changed sponsorship from Interstate Batteries
Interstate Batteries
Interstate Battery System of America, Inc., a.k.a. Interstate Batteries, is a privately owned company that markets automotive batteries manufactured by Johnson Controls through independent distributors to more than 200,000 automotive shops worldwide. The company is based in Dallas, Texas...
to M&M's
M&M's
M&M's are dragée-like "colorful button-shaped candies" produced by Mars, Incorporated...
and from a Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
car to a Toyota. On March 9, 2008, Addington scored his first win as a NASCAR Sprint Cup crew chief when the 18 team won the Kobalt Tools 500 in Atlanta, Georgia with driver Kyle Busch, and he was awarded the "Crew Chief of the Race". Busch lead the points with eight wins going into the Chase for the Cup. The team had numerous problems as soon as the Chase started, such as engine failures and wrecks, and Busch finished tenth in the twelve drivers in the Chase. Addington was named the DirecTV Crew Chief of the Year Award at NASCAR's award banquet. Busch ended the season with 21 victories in NASCAR's big three divisions (Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Craftsman Truck Series
Craftsman Truck Series
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is a pickup truck racing series owned and operated by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing...
), which was seven more wins that any driver had made since the Craftman Truck Series began in 1995. Busch said "I think the final ten races certainly humbled all of us. Everyone already had virtually guaranteed us the championship after seeing the first 26 races, but it changed so quickly." Addington was relieved of his crew chief duties with three races left in the 2009 season and Dave Rogers took over the role.
On December 14, 2009, it was reported that Addington had accepted a deal to become the next crew chief for Kyle's
Kyle Busch
Kyle Thomas Busch, is an American NASCAR driver and team owner. He currently drives the No. 18 Mars/Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Sprint Cup Series, the No. 18 Z-Line Designs/NOS Energy Drink Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs in the Nationwide Series, and the No...
brother Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch
Kurt Thomas Busch is an American NASCAR and NHRA driver. He drives the No. 22 Shell Oil Company/Pennzoil Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, and will race on an "opportunity permitting" basis in the Pro Stock division of NHRA...
, replacing outgoing crew chief Pat Tryson
Pat Tryson
Pat Tryson , is an American NASCAR crew chief from Malvern, Pennsylvania. He began his racing career by working with Kenny Bernstein at King Racing. He attended West Chester University to earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration...
, who had been relieved of his duties following the 2009 Sprint Cup Season. It is reported that the deal is for three years.
Personal life
Addington left qualifying early for the June 2008 race at Dover International SpeedwayDover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned race track located in Dover, Delaware, owned by, and serving as the corporate headquarters of, Dover Motorsports, Inc. It is co-located with a harness racing track, Dover Downs, and shares the complex with Dover Downs Hotel & Casino...
to attend his daughter Ashlyn's graduation from Boiling Springs High School
Boiling Springs High School (South Carolina)
Boiling Springs High School is a high school located in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. It is part of Spartanburg School District 2. Its mascot is the English Bulldog.The current principal is Chuck Gordon.-Motto:...
in Boiling Springs, South Carolina
Boiling Springs, South Carolina
Boiling Springs is a census-designated place in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 8,219 at the 2010 census.-Namesake:...
.