Greg Zipadelli

Greg Zipadelli (born April 21, 1967 in Berlin, Connecticut), is a NASCAR Sprint Cup crew chief for Tony Stewart, who currently drives the #20 Home Depot Toyota Camry owned by former NFL Coach Joe Gibbs.

Racing career

Greg Zipadelli began his career in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour series, becoming the crew chief for his family's team and immediately winning a championship with driver Mike McLaughlin in 1988, at the tender age of 21. When McLaughlin advanced to the Busch North Series in 1990, Zipadelli joined him, winning five races during the pair's four-year tenure together, and claimed another championship in 1997 as the crew chief for Mike Stefanik. But his greatest fame and success would be achieved when he joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 1999, partnering with IndyCar Series champion turned NASCAR rookie Tony Stewart. Their accomplishments include the 1999 Rookie of the Year title, winning a stunning three races, a feat which has only been tied by Jimmie Johnson in 2002, three Chase for the NEXTEL Cup appearances, two championships in 2002 and 2005. The duo of "Smoke" (Stewart) and "Zippy" (Zipadelli) currently have the longest crew chief-driver relationship in NASCAR. However, that relationship will end as of the 2008 Season. In 2009, Stewart is moving over to Stewart-Haas Racing to drive the #14 car. JGR Nationwide driver Joey Logano will take over the driving of the #20 Home Depot Camry, with Zipadelli acting as crew chief.

Zipadelli has 3 children, Zachary Charles, Elwina Sophia, and Gianni Greogry, with his wife Nan.

References

* [http://www.gregzipadelli.com Greg Zipadelli's home page]

External links