CORNELIUS, N.C. (December 3, 2008) – Today Michael Waltrip Racing announced that Rodney Childers will become the crew chief for David Reutimann and his No. 00 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota Camry team for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

"This is a great opportunity," said Childers, entering his fifth season as a crew chief on the NASCAR Sprint Cup level. " When I heard the position was available, I looked into it because I really liked the idea of working with David. We have the same type of personality and as I see the progress MWR has made, I see it as a place where I could have a long future. Their relationship with Toyota also attracted me because it is easy to see their commitment to NASCAR."

"David really burst onto the scene this past year and has proven that he can do this," continued Childers. "He is comfortable and feels like he's as good as anyone on the track and that's really important."

The Mooresville, North Carolina native has been involved in some form of racing since he was 12 years old whether it has been behind the wheel or atop a pit box. From 1999 to 2002, he raced in several series including the NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series, Hooters Pro Cup Series and in 2000, he made his first and only NASCAR Nationwide Series start at Myrtle Beach Speedway.

More recently, Childers served as a crew chief for the past three seasons with Gillett Evernham with Elliott Sadler (2008) and Scott Riggs (2006-2007). Childers was Riggs' crew chief in 2005 with MB2 Motorsports.

Now, Childers will begin a new chapter at MWR with Reutimann, whose paths have actually crossed a time or two on the track as well as in the garage. There is one day specifically that Childers stated Reutimann said he will never forget.

"It was looking like David was going to win his first-ever NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series pole at Kingsport, Tennessee in 1999, but as fate would have it, I was the last one to qualify," Childers said. "David didn't win the pole that day and he hasn't forgiven me since. He reminded me just the other day at breakfast. He's a good guy with a great sense of humor and we have always got along. I think it will be a good fit."

"I am looking forward to picking up with Rodney where Ryan (Pemberton) and I left off," Reutimann said. "The team built a lot of momentum during the latter part of the season. We've just got to build upon that. I feel like we have improved a great deal. If we can continue to position ourselves in the top-10, the top-fives will come and ultimately our first win."