KERNERSVILLE, N.C. (December 11, 2009) — Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced today that Dave Fuge and Doug George have joined the organization’s Truck Series program. Fuge will lead the No. 33 Longhorn Chevrolet Silverado driven by four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday and George will serve as crew chief of the No. 2 Truck which will feature several NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers throughout the 2010 season.
The KHI crew chief roster now includes three members that hail from the West Coast: Fuge from Sumner, Washington, George from Atwater, California and Ernie Cope, crew chief of the No. 33 Nationwide Series program, from Tacoma, Washington. Not only do each of the KHI crew chiefs have a common tie with the West Coast, KHI co-owner Kevin Harvick, a Bakersfield, California native, four-time Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday from near by Palmdale California and General Manager Rick Carelli from Denver, Colorado also have West Coast roots. All six men competed against each other at some point over the last 30 years in what is now known as the NASCAR Camping World West division.
“I think both Dave [Fuge] and Doug [George] will be great additions to our organization,” said KHI co-owner Harvick. “The West Coast connection between all three of our crew chiefs is a really neat tie. Dave comes to us with championship experience and I believe that will continue to be a championship winning team. Doug also comes to us with extensive knowledge of the sport and will be a good match to keep that team competitive. I think the chemistry between all three of our crew chiefs will bring KHI to an entirely new level of success.”
Fuge joins KHI as a two-time Truck Series championship team owner with Xpress Motorsports in 2002 and 2003 with drivers Mike Bliss and Travis Kvapil.
“For me as a car builder and a former team owner this is a dream come true,” said Fuge, on becoming a part of the KHI organization. “This team has been able to achieve all the things I wanted to accomplish but was never able to when I was a team owner. Kevin and DeLana started this team the way I did, from the ground up and have watched it flourish. I’m proud to be able to join such a successful organization.”
George echoes Fuge’s sentiments on joining a championship-caliber organization.
“I feel this is a really great opportunity with a world class organization,” George said. “This company has proven they can win races. To be honest I’m just really overwhelmed with the facility and the equipment they have to work with. I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started on 2010. I’m looking forward to great things.”
George, a former driver, most recently served as crew chief for Kyle Busch and Aric Almirola at Billy Ballew Motorsports in the Truck Series.