Chip Bolin, a 33-year-old native of North, S.C. and a Clemson University graduate, has been with Reiser and Kenseth since they joined the Roush fold in 1999, working as team engineer on a unit that rapidly became one of the tightest-knit in the sport. Bolin worked as interim crew chief early last season while Reiser was suspended for technical violations prior to the Daytona 500, and was on the pit box when the No. 17 car claimed its first victory of the year at California Speedway.

Bolin tells NASCAR.com, “I’m a pretty competitive person to start with. The instant gratification of being able to do something and run it that weekend and see if you pass or fail, and then do something and see if you pass or fail, it’s my pace. I can’t work on something that’s three years in advance—work on this robotic system or set up this manufacturing line. I’m more, let’s try this, it’s either going to work or it’s not.”

Reiser, in his new position as general manager of Roush’s five-car operation, will never be far away. He and Kenseth won 16 races and a championship in their eight full seasons together, and have a personal friendship that goes back much further than that. Owner Jack Roush thought so much of Reiser’s managerial skills that he wanted to spread the level of efficiency he saw in the No. 17 team across the entire organization.

I am sure Reiser will be very close by during race time even though Jack Roush will be telling him to stay at the shop to perform his managerial duties. Let me know what you think about this. I am curious to see your opinions.