Mooresville, NC (January 22, 2014) – Tommy Baldwin Racing (TBR) has hired veteran Kevin “Bono” Manion as the crew chief for Michael Annett and the No. 7 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet SS. With Manion on board, the team seeks to take the program to the next level as team owner, Tommy Baldwin, will have the ability to focus on business and management aspects of the team rather than as both owner and crew chief. Baldwin said, “Our original plan was for me to be the crew chief, but when the opportunity to hire Bono came along, it’s the right fit that will allow me to step back from doing both. I can concentrate more on making our business and competition relationships stronger. I can take a look from the top of hill rather than in the trenches.”
Manion is excited to make his move to TBR, the opportunity to work with Michael in his rookie season and a team that is more hands on. “I’m excited to be on board with TBR and to be back with Tommy, Manion said. “Our careers have taken us on different paths throughout the years and we’ve created our own successes, but it’s great to be reunited and come full circle. Everyone on the team seems to have so much passion and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Michael Annett, driver of the no. 7, commented on Manion’s appointment as crew chief. Annett said, “I’m excited to have Bono as my crew chief. He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and winning resume with him to TBR. I have a great amount of respect and friendship with Bono and can’t wait to get to Daytona and kick off the 2014 season with him. Bono being hired by TBR is a great testament of Tommy’s leadership ability and surrounding this company with the talent Bono brings to the team. We have some great things ahead of us and I’m excited where this organization is headed. I am grateful to have Pilot Flying J, and all our TBR partners support and on board for my rookie season in the Sprint Cup season.”
Annett will be under the tutelage of two Daytona 500 winning crew chiefs, Manion and Baldwin. Manion will hit the ground running as he prepares the team for its Daytona 500 start in February with scheduled test sessions at Talladega Superspeedway on February 5th and 6th.
Please visit: www.pilotflyingjracing.com, www.michaelannett.com
Twitter: @pfjracing, @michaelannett, @tbr_racing
About Tommy Baldwin Racing
Founded in 2009, Tommy Baldwin Racing is a NASCAR organization that fields two full-time Chevrolet teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Baldwin, a native of upstate New York, is a Daytona 500-winning crew chief going into his sixth season as a full-time Cup Series car owner. For more information, please visit tommybaldwinracing.com.
About Pilot Flying J
