Tri-Star Motorsports has named Todd Myers as the crew chief for the #14 Hefty Toyota driven by Eric McClure, beginning at the Alliance Truck Parts 250 at Michigan International Speedway. Myers has been with the team since 2011. Recently, he has handled the crew chief duties for the #10 Toyota driven by former series champion, Jeff Green.
The team has struggled to find consistency this season and that led to team owner, Mark Smith, deciding to make the change. Smith also serves as engine builder for the team as he also owns Pro Motor Engines (PME).
When asked about some of the changes he feels he can make Myers stated, “Just working on attitudes, making sure everything kind of stays light and fun and moving in a positive direction.”
Driver Eric McClure is very complimentary of his new crew chief saying, “I like him…” “It’s definitely a different dynamic in the team this week, and this is a tough week for him to start. I sat out this race last year when I was recovering and it’s been an uphill battle for me, but for him to come over, assess the program, see what changes we need to make, keep my confidence up. He can help me in all areas. It’s going to be a very positive thing I think.”
Another positive note for the team is that sponsor, Hefty, is signed to a long term deal. That gives the team the ability to focus long term goals. Goals that Myers said are not quantified by specific benchmarks. Myers pointed out, “If we can compete week in and week out, at a more positive level, and everybody is putting in 100%, and we come out wherever we come out, as long as we were positive, and at the end of the day somebody knows we were there.”
Tri-Star Motorsports is a small team trying to make in a sport where money is a crucial element of success. This is doesn’t have a Cup affiliation other than a car that they prepare and run on an occasional basis. In fact the team’s Sprint Cup car was driven by the Jason Leffler, who was tragically killed in a sprint car race in New Jersey less than a week ago.
They are doing what they can with what they have, but one thing was very obvious. This team definitely seems to have the upbeat attitude that Myers wants. They are comfortable with who they are and what they are, and sometimes that is more valuable than almost anything.
