Greg and Tony
I think Greg was prepared for the challenge he faced as the #20 Home Depot Pontiac team and driver, Tony Stewart pursued the 1999 Winston Cup Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award. But was he prepared for the rest of it? I think so. Greg is a rookie crew chief in NASCAR's Winston Cup, but like Tony, is he really a rookie? He has a wealth of experience on successful race teams. Greg won the 1996 Busch North Series, NASCAR Touring, title with Mike Stefanik, and the 1988 Featherlite Modified Series, NASCAR Touring, title with Mike McLaughlin.
Greg grew up around racing. He worked with his uncle Billy on a modified owned by his father, Charles, at an early age. Greg never wanted to race a car, but he was fascinated with the mechanics and putting one together from the ground up. Greg had the opportunity to work with several drivers who went on to great careers, including Richie Evans, Brett Bodine, Todd Bodine, and McLaughlin. He became the crew chief in 1985 following his father's decision to expand the family business.
Greg's wish to make racing his full-time career came true in 1990 when McLaughlin was offered a ride with Mike Greci, a prominent Featherlite Modified Series team owner, and requested that Zipadelli be his crew chief. Greg was also offered the chance to be crew chief for a Busch North Series effort with Brett Bodine behind the wheel.
After working with McLaughlin, Zipadelli joined Stefanik in the Busch North Series. After winning the series championship as Stefanik's crew chief in '97, Greg moved south to work for Roush Racing. He was chassis specialist under crew chief Frank Stoddard for driver Jeff Burton.
When Greg was called to be the crew chief of Tony Stewart in 1999, he couldn't pass it up.
Tony and Greg seemed to click from the very beginning. They had that special relationship that very few drivers and crew chiefs have. Keep it up Greg. We love it...
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