Baldwin Takes Over Crew Chief Job For Blaney

DOVER, Del. (AP) _ Tommy Baldwin took over as Dave Blaney's crew chief Sunday, two days after the Nextel Cup driver failed to qualify at Dover International Speedway. <br/><br/>Baldwin replaced Kevin

Sunday, June 3rd 2007, 8:48 pm

By: News On 6

DOVER, Del. (AP) _ Tommy Baldwin took over as Dave Blaney's crew chief Sunday, two days after the Nextel Cup driver failed to qualify at Dover International Speedway.

Baldwin replaced Kevin Hamlin, who is no longer with Bill Davis Racing.

``Kevin Hamlin was an important part of the organization and we appreciate everything he has done for us for the past year and a half,'' Davis said. ``But we feel like the ... team is not living up to its full potential.

``We are fortunate to have someone like Tommy Baldwin, who has had so much success as a crew chief to fill that position.''

Baldwin, who is competition director for BDR, spent several years as crew chief for the No. 22 when Ward Burton was the driver. Baldwin led the team to four wins, including the 2001 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway and the 2002 Daytona 500.

Blaney was the best of the Toyota bunch at the start of this season, but had little to show for it because of accidents and other mishaps on the track. He entered Friday's qualifying at Dover 36th in the points and his speed failed to qualify him for the race.

Blaney also missed the field at Talladega in May.