Dave Elenz is back as the leader for the No. 9 racing team. This is his fifth year in this role at JR Motorsports and his third year working with the driver, Noah Gragson.
Last year, Dave and Noah worked really well together. They won two races, which is the best they’ve ever done! They also finished in the top five 17 times and in the top 10 a whopping 25 times. They even led many races, staying in front for 622 laps. At the end of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, they ranked fifth.
In short, Dave Elenz and his driver, Noah Gragson, are a great team. They achieved some of their best results last year, and many fans are excited to see what they’ll do this year.
Dave Elenz: The Mastermind Behind the No. 9 Team
Building Success with Young Drivers
Dave Elenz is known for his amazing work with the No. 9 team at JR Motorsports (JRM). In 2019, Elenz and driver Noah Gragson finished eighth in the championship after getting nine top-five finishes and 22 top-10 finishes. This wasn’t their first successful year. Dave has been helping young drivers shine for years.
In 2017, Dave was the guide behind rookie driver William Byron. Together, they won JRMs second series championship. William was even named Rookie of the Year. They won four races that season and had 12 top-five finishes.
The next year, in 2018, Dave Elenz teamed up with another new driver, Tyler Reddick. They also did great, winning the championship for JRM. They earned two race wins and seven top-five finishes.
Daves remarkable achievements
Throughout his three seasons as a crew chief for rookie drivers, Elenz has a record of six wins, 28 top-five finishes, and 63 top-10 finishes. Before 2017, he was part of JRM’s “All Star” car team. There, they had four victories and numerous top finishes in two seasons (2015-16).
Journey in Motorsports
Daves passion for motorsports began long ago. After graduating from Clemson University, he started his career at Jasper Racing in 2001. There, he met Ryan Pemberton, and they became a great duo. They worked together at several racing teams, including Ginn Racing and Red Bull Racing Team.
At Red Bull Racing, Elenz was part of a big win in Michigan in 2009 and even made it to the 2009 Chase for the Cup with Brian Vickers. In 2012, he moved to Hendrick Motorsports to work on Dale Earnhardt Jr.s team. That same year, they won at Michigan International Speedway.
Later, he joined Jimmie Johnsons team in 2013. During his time there, Elenz helped the team get 10 big wins and helped Johnson win his sixth NASCAR Cup Series championship.
In 2015, Elenz made a big decision to become a crew chief at JR Motorsports.
Two seasons, two championships
Dave had a unique experience in 2017 and 2018. Both years, he ended up as an Xfinity Series champion. With rookie driver William Byron in 2017, they won four races and finished the season in third place to clinch the title.
In 2018, paired with another rookie, Tyler Reddick, they won the championship, even with just one regular win. They showed their skill by winning the Miami race, making JR Motorsports the Xfinity champion.
Elenzs skills as a crew chief are undeniable. He’s won the Xfinity championship multiple times, which few have done since 1982.
JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. praised Elenz’s ability to coach young drivers and prepare them for big races. For instance, Reddick had a few top finishes before the playoffs but shined during the playoffs, especially at Miami.
A bright future ahead
Dave has won 10 races as a crew chief with various drivers, including Byron, Kevin Harvick, Earnhardt, Chase Elliott, and Reddick. He seems to have a special touch when working with young racers.
When asked about his success with rookies, Dave said it’s about understanding each driver’s unique style and supporting them, especially when they make mistakes. He also mentioned that his experienced teammates help guide the younger drivers.
For 2019, it looked like Elenz would be paired with another rookie, Noah Gragson, indicating another exciting season ahead.
To sum it up, Dave Elenz is a crucial figure in motorsports. With his vast experience and ability to mentor young drivers, he has made a name for himself as one of the best in the business.
Dave Elenz: From Engineer to Leading Crew Chief
Climbing the ranks in racing
Dave Elenz, originally from Gaylord, Michigan, is a graduate of Clemson University. He began his journey in racing with the No. 88 team alongside famous driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. But after the 2013 season, he shifted to the No. 48 team at Hendrick, taking over from Greg Ives. Before joining the No. 48 team, Ives had a successful year working with Regan Smith at JRM and later led driver Elliott to a victorious season.
Beginning Steps in Motorsports
Dave’s initial days in motorsports were at Jasper Motorsports. It was here that he formed a valuable partnership with Ryan Pemberton, the competition director at JRM. They teamed up again at Ginn Racing and Red Bull Racing. After these stints, Dave Elenz transitioned to the prestigious Hendrick Motorsports team.
The Importance of Engineering in Racing
In today’s NASCAR world, a team’s success relies heavily on technology and engineering. Ryan Pemberton believes that Dave’s background in engineering makes him an ideal crew chief for the job. Pemberton explained that todays crew chiefs depend on technology, tools, and simulations. Having worked with top professionals like Steve Letarte and Chad Knaus, Dave’s engineering knowledge and pitbox experience make him stand out.
Pemberton said, “Everything that helps a car race faster is driven by engineering. So, having a leader with an engineering background is a big advantage. He also pointed out that Dave’s familiarity with Hendrick Motorsports’ tools and his strong relationships within the industry make him uniquely suited for the role. This means Dave Elenz can get things done faster without having to start learning from the beginning.
FAQs About Dave Elenz
Q: How long has Dave Elenz been the crew chief for the No. 9 racing team at JR Motorsports?
A: Dave Elenz has been the leader of the No. 9 racing team at JR Motorsports for five years, as of the most recent available information.
Q: Who is Dave Elenz’s current driver at JR Motorsports?
A: Dave Elenz has been working with driver Noah Gragson for three years, according to the latest information.
Q: What were some of Dave Elenz and Noah Gragson’s achievements in their most recent season together?
A: In their previous season together, Dave Elenz and Noah Gragson achieved significant success, winning two races and finishing in the top five 17 times. They also had 25 top-10 finishes and led many races, totaling 622 laps led. Their performance led to a fifth-place ranking in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Q: Has Dave Elenz worked with other young drivers in his career?
A: Yes, Dave Elenz has a track record of successfully working with young drivers in NASCAR. Notably, he guided William Byron and Tyler Reddick, both rookies at the time, to Xfinity Series championships in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Q: What is Dave Elenz’s background in motorsports?
A: Dave Elenz has a strong background in motorsports, beginning his career as an engineer. He worked with various racing teams, including the No. 88 team alongside Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He transitioned to the No. 48 team at Hendrick Motorsports, where his engineering knowledge and experience became valuable assets.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the crew chief for Eric Jones?
Dave Elenz, the Crew Chief, hails from a family with a deep-seated love for racing.
Who does Erik Jones race for?
In 2024, AdventHealth, a trusted NASCAR partner, will be collaborating with Legacy Motor Club. The partnership will see AdventHealth teaming up with renowned drivers Erik Jones and Jimmie Johnson. This exciting development is set to bring a new level of energy and excitement to the world of NASCAR. As a long-time supporter of the sport, AdventHealth is committed to providing top-notch healthcare services to drivers and fans alike. With Legacy Motor Club on board, the future of NASCAR looks brighter than ever before.
