Pattie, Bowyer will join ranks for 2012

Michael Waltrip Racing announced Monday that Brian Pattie will join the organization as crew chief for NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Clint Bowyer.

“Brian is someone whose been on our radar for a very long time,” team owner Michael Waltrip said. “He brings a strong technical background, along with great leadership and Chase [for the Sprint Cup] experience. We have high hopes for Brian, Clint and the 5-hour Energy team heading into 2012 and we think this is the perfect mix of talent, experience and leadership.”

Pattie has 18 career Nationwide Series wins and has worked in the Sprint Cup Series as crew chief for Juan Pablo Montoya at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. He led Montoya to a berth in the 2009 Chase and a win at Watkins Glen International in 2010.

“Michael Waltrip Racing is an up-and-coming team making improvements every day,” said Pattie, a Zephyrhills, Fla., native who began his duties at MWR on Dec. 1.

“I know how close it is to joining the upper echelon of the Sprint Cup Series. When I started talking with Michael about opportunities at MWR I really did my research and was impressed by their commitment to getting to the top of the sport. I feel like this is a great opportunity to join a new team with a new driver and start building something special. Clint’s proven how good he is and I know that will get even better in 2012.”

Bowyer is already familiar with Pattie.

“I’ve known Brian Pattie for a long time and the thing that impresses me the most is how he calls a race and his knowledge of racecars,” said Bowyer. “We both grew up working on dirt cars and have pretty similar backgrounds. We understand each other and I think we speak the same language. I know once we get together and start working we’re going to see great results.”

The 2012 season will also be Bowyer's first with the organization.