Chad Kendrick is a well-known figure in the NASCAR world, particularly recognized for his role as a crew chief. His career spans several years and includes working with various teams and drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) and beyond. This article delves into Kendrick's career highlights, focusing on his expertise and contributions to different teams.
Dawson Sutton during practice for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2024. Image credit: Jayski.com
Early Career and Young's Motorsports
In June 2017, Chad Kendrick joined Young's Motorsports as the new crew chief for Tyler Young. This move was strategically made in hopes that Kendrick's expertise and leadership could propel the team forward. Former crew chief Andrew Abbott transitioned to the role of truck crew chief and crew chief for the team's developmental K&N Pro Series East program.
Tyler Young expressed his excitement about working with Chad Kendrick, emphasizing Kendrick's knowledge and ability to assist Abbott. He felt that their combined efforts would improve the team's on-track performance. Young aimed for a top-10 finish at Texas Motor Speedway, relying on Kendrick's notebook and Abbott's intuitiveness.
Young noted the importance of handling at the Texas track and looked forward to practice sessions to fine-tune the truck's performance. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by the new asphalt and the limited indication that practice sessions provide for race conditions. In 72 career NCWTS starts, Young holds four top-10 finishes, with a career-best sixth at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February 2016. A sixth-place qualifying effort at Eldora Speedway in July 2015 is his best time trials effort to date. Young's Motorsports has competed on the tour since 2012.
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Return to Rackley W.A.R.
More recently, Rackley W.A.R. announced the return of Chad Kendrick as crew chief for Dawson Sutton and the No. 26 Rackley Roofing / W.A.R. Chevrolet. Kendrick's return to the organization followed a year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
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Kendrick explained that his departure from Rackley W.A.R. was due to geographic reasons, as his wife was homesick. He expressed excitement about returning and working with Dawson Sutton, highlighting Sutton's immense capability. Willie Allen and Curtis Sutton, co-owners of Rackley W.A.R., believe that Kendrick's experience in developing young drivers makes him an ideal fit for guiding Sutton.
Dawson Sutton also expressed his enthusiasm about working with Kendrick, emphasizing the success and experience Kendrick brings to the team. The team's move to North Carolina facilitated Kendrick's return. Kendrick has multiple seasons of experience in the NCTS, debuting as a crew chief in 2008 with Bobby Hamilton Racing. Over the years, he has worked with notable drivers such as Timothy Peters, Brad Keselowski, Ross Chastain, and Joey Logano.
Aerial view of Texas Motor Speedway, where Kendrick aimed for a top-10 finish with Tyler Young. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
Rackley W.A.R.'s Background
Rackley W.A.R.'s first season in the NASCAR Craftsman® Truck Series came in 2021. Collectively, Rackley W.A.R. has won multiple premier racing events with a host of drivers, including the team’s first NASCAR Craftsman® Truck Series win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2022 for the running of the Chevrolet 250 with driver Matt DiBenedetto. In 2023, Rackley W.A.R. made its first playoff appearance with DiBenedetto.
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Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign will begin at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 14, at 7:30 PM ET. Kendrick will work alongside Rookie of The Year Contender Dawson Sutton, who will drive the No. 26 Rackley Roofing / W.A.R.
Chad Kendrick's career in NASCAR showcases his dedication and expertise as a crew chief. His ability to work with and develop young drivers makes him a valuable asset to any team. From his earlier role at Young's Motorsports to his return to Rackley W.A.R., Kendrick continues to make significant contributions to the sport.
| Team | Driver(s) | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Young's Motorsports | Tyler Young | Aimed for top-10 finish at Texas Motor Speedway |
| Rackley W.A.R. | Dawson Sutton | Crew Chief for Rookie of The Year Contender in 2025 |
| Bobby Hamilton Racing | Various (Timothy Peters, Brad Keselowski, Ross Chastain, Joey Logano) | Multiple seasons of experience in NCTS |
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