WELCOME – Richard Childress Racing, which has struggled most of the season and will likely not have a car in the NASCAR Chase for the Championship after placing three the past two seasons, is reorganizing the management of its competition department in an attempt to improve performance.

The teams field cars driven by Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton and Casey Mears. Bowyer, who ranks best in points of the four in 15th, can still make the Chase but also could be eliminated this Sunday at Atlanta. All four teams are winless and combined have eight top-five finishes, four of them by Bowyer,

“This reorganization is the result of a process that took place over the past few months to improve our performance,” team owner Richard Childress said in a statement. “On-track performance is the lifeblood of RCR and everything we do is impacted by how competitive our cars are week-in and week-out. Our common goal remains the same: win races and compete for championships. The creation of these new processes and priorities, with greater accountability, will improve our performance and every aspect of our organization. “

Mike Dillon, who is Childress’ son-in-law, retains his position as vice president of competition, but with revised responsibilities. His primary focus will continue to be competition department oversight. He reports directly to Childress.

Scott Miller, crew chief for the No. 31 Chevrolet driven by Jeff Burton, has been named to the revised position of director of competition.

His primary responsibility is oversight of the key areas of car performance: speed, handling and durability.

Miller reports directly to Dillon and will continue his dual responsibilities until the conclusion of the 2009 season. The crew chief position for the No. 31 team will be filled at a later date.

Kent Day, RCR’s technical director of competition, now reports directly to Miller. Day’s primary responsibility is in setting the technical direction of race car development.

Will Lind, an employee of RCR since 1982 and the director of competition the past two seasons, will assume the new role of business director of competition. Lind will continue to report directly to Dillon.