Borland may rejoin 12 team in another capacity
Crew chief asked for leave of absence, wants to be home more
By David Newton, NASCAR.COM
November 10, 2006
06:51 PM EST (23:51 GMT)
AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Matt Borland, who was granted a personal leave of absence as Ryan Newman's crew chief for the final two races of the Nextel Cup season, could return to Penske Racing South in a new role next season.
Borland asked for the leave, according to team officials, to attend family matters.
One of the roles being discussed is director of team competition, which would allow Borland to spend more time at home on race weekends but remain active with the preparation of the cars.
"He's someone that needs to be a part of this team," Newman said during qualifying for Sunday's race at Phoenix International Raceway. "I want him to be a part of this team. None of that has changed.
"He's just in a situation now where he's got two young daughters and needs to spend time with his family. That's way more important than what he does at the racetrack."
Borland has been speculated as a candidate to move to Team Red Bull next season, but Penske Racing president Don Miller said the leave was not asked so he could pursue other opportunities.
Asked if he expected Borland to return, Miller said. "Yeah. Why not? Twenty-five thousand people have opinions, but none of them are close to the real problem."
Newman, who has won 12 races and 37 poles with Borland, said he's confident Borland will be back.
"It's obviously his decision, but it's something I would really like," he said. "He's a smart guy and obviously a great friend. I wouldn't want to lose any part of that."
Speculation of Borland's departure came during a season in which Newman has gone winless and captured a career-low two poles.
Team engineer Mike Nelson will assume Borland's duties for the final two races. He has been with the team since it began with Borland and Newman in 2001.
"I want the best person for the situation, for these two races and next year," Newman said. "Matt always has done a great job. Even when we didn't run well this year it wasn't all because of Matt Borland's fault."
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So, what's the scoop on this, MrsRyan? I'm sure you know all the details - who's Ryan's new crew chief gonna be and what is Matt Borland going to be doing? My inquiring mind wants to know!
I don't really know, I do know that Matt Borland is an awesome CC and I hate the thought of Ryan loosing him, because they are also good friends. I have been stalking the racing sites for any news. It was rumored that Red Bull wanted Matt to go to their Toyota team and CC for Brian Vickers.
Today this good news finally surfaced:
LATEST NEWS
Borland staying with Penske
SCENEDAILY - 2:37PM ET MONDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2006 -
Matt Borland, Ryan Newman's longtime crew chief, is staying at Penske Racing South for the 2007 season, team president Don Miller said Monday, although no title or job description has been finalized.
One of Borland's first jobs will likely be helping to determine who will replace him as crew chief for Newman and the No. 12 Dodge team.
Borland, who received permission to skip the year's final two races, will likely direct the competition department of the organization, which fields Cup cars for Newman and Kurt Busch. Penske's two teams made the Chase For The Nextel Cup in 2005, but neither team was in the hunt for a berth this past season.
Newman had just two top-five finishes and finished 18th in points this season. Busch, the 2004 Cup champion, won one race but finished 16th in points.
Miller said Monday that Borland met with owner Roger Penske following the season finale.
"He told Roger that under no circumstances does he want to leave, because Roger gave him the option," Miller said.
Whew! At least he is staying with Penske!
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Borland may rejoin 12 team in another capacity
Borland to stay with Penske
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