Tony leaves the door open for Darian to return 1 day

Marty Smith reported that Tony thanked the three crew chiefs he has had in his cup career, and said that one day he might get Darian Grubb back. Which brings the question did SHR try to get him to perhaps just be an engineer? Is the only reason he isn't here is because he wanted to be Tony's cc and not an engineer? Why wasn't he assigned to Ryan? Did Ryan think he and Darian wouldn't have chemistry?

SS 14, when did he say that. I missed it. My feeling all along is that Darian was the part of the Zippy deal. I also believe he may be back, cause Tony is going out of his way to compliment him. Who knows!?! I wouldn't put anything past him. . Just saw it on NASCAR Now!

I think that if Tony stated this, he is just trying to be PC for now. I get the feeling that Tony is very happy with his current team and the media just keeps digging. Maybe I am wrong, but just my feelings!

The media is going to play this for as long as they can- Tony/Steve vs. Denny/Darian. Guaranteed at some point during the season, we will be constantly reminded of how many wins each driver has this season, and don't be surprised to hear a reporter bring it up every time Tony wins a race. I can hear it now: "Tony, a lot of people questioned your decision to fire Darian Grubb after winning the championship last year..." Tony is off to the best start of his career. He has never won a race this early in the season, let alone two. Sounds like he made the right decision to me.

My advice to the media? Drop it now, before Tony has to publicly berate you in the media center for asking the same, stupid question.

Ha ha ha ha Speed Beagle! Very well said

The media is going to play this for as long as they can- Tony/Steve vs. Denny/Darian. Guaranteed at some point during the season, we will be constantly reminded of how many wins each driver has this season, and don't be surprised to hear a reporter bring it up every time Tony wins a race. I can hear it now: "Tony, a lot of people questioned your decision to fire Darian Grubb after winning the championship last year..." Tony is off to the best start of his career. He has never won a race this early in the season, let alone two. Sounds like he made the right decision to me.

My advice to the media? Drop it now, before Tony has to publicly berate you in the media center for asking the same, stupid question.

But that takes away all the fun of watching Tony verbally berate the stupid question askers

This will get old forTony but for now he probably is enjoying the positive as they mention how good he is doing. I wish the media would stop the horse shoe bit as that is boring.

I love the relationship between Steve and Tony. Tony has never run better and seemed more relaxed. It is a great combo! You can tell Steve is really glad to be at SHR and with Zippy there it is just icing on the cake!

I love the relationship between Steve and Tony. Tony has never run better and seemed more relaxed. It is a great combo! You can tell Steve is really glad to be at SHR and with Zippy there it is just icing on the cake!

I'm sure you right Annalee. Don't they look like brothers who finaly go together again? I don't know how many years they were together at Gibbs Racing but it looks like all three are enjoying where they are.

Zippy was Tony's crew chief for 10 years at JGR, from the beginning of 1999, Tony's rookie year, all the way through the end of 2008. Addington was with JGR from 2004 up until 3 months before the end of 2009. They all are great friends and I for one am happy to see them back together again!!

I also liked Steve's response to Tony asking for a right rear rubber to be removed: "I'm going to work on that [handling problem] with wedge". No vacillation, no second-guessing, no 'bowing to the boss', just a crew chief telling his driver what HE was going to do to the car! You go, Steve!

I also liked Steve's response to Tony asking for a right rear rubber to be removed: "I'm going to work on that [handling problem] with wedge". No vacillation, no second-guessing, no 'bowing to the boss', just a crew chief telling his driver what HE was going to do to the car! You go, Steve!

more importantthan all of that. Sounded like Steve already had a plan, & was decisive. I have no clue what that sounds like over a radio.

Zippy was Tony's crew chief for 10 years at JGR, from the beginning of 1999, Tony's rookie year, all the way through the end of 2008. Addington was with JGR from 2004 up until 3 months before the end of 2009. They all are great friends and I for one am happy to see them back together again!!

Love seeing them back together too....I soooo missed Zippy!

Ndunn, I have always thought Zippy and Tony looked like brothers. Tony has so much respect for Zippy, and I believe the years they weren't together, Tony realized that. Tony knew that he had to do whatever was necessary to get them together again! And he did it!! It was like a piece of the puzzle was missing and now it has been found. Plus with Steve this is an unbeatable team! They all remind me of a comfortable pair of old shoes, once they were put together and slipped on, all was right with the world! The "Fight for Four" is on. Go get em Team 14!!!!!!

Oooo, I like that, Annalee - "Fight for Four"