by FOX Sports

Updated: February 13, 2007, 1:16 PM EST

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Champion crew chief Jeff Hammond serves as an analyst for the network's live, on-site prerace program from the now famous "Hollywood Hotel." Working alongside prerace host Chris Myers, the duo were an instant success among NASCAR fans, becoming a prominent fixture amid the infield festivities at NASCAR events nationwide. Hammond draws upon his experience, as well as FOX Sports' Ford Cut-Away Car to explain and illustrate the complicated inner-workings of race cars, pit crew details, and particulars of the driver/crew chief relationship. In addition to his prerace show duties, Hammond also frequently contributes commentary during FOX Sports' race coverage. Hammond also serves as a NASCAR analyst on SPEED.

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In 1974, at the age of 17, Jeff Hammond began his NASCAR career as a tire changer for Walter Ballard. In 1982, he became a crew chief for the first time, working for Darrell Waltrip, his NASCAR on FOX colleague, at the pinnacle of the legendary driver's career. Together, the pair saw Victory Lane an impressive 43 times, including Waltrip's Daytona 500 victory in 1989. Hammond, known as a methodical strategist, was Waltrip's pit boss in two of his three NASCAR Championship seasons (1982 and 1985). His crew won the GM Goodwrench Teamwork of Excellence Award in 1989.

Hammond last served with Roush Racing before transitioning to his new career in front of the camera. There he served as crew chief for the No. 97 John Deere Ford driven by Chad Little and Kurt Busch. In total, he has 508 NASCAR Winston Cup races on his crew chief resume. His broadcasting resume includes work for ESPN, Turner and TNN and he's co-hosted the nationally syndicated NASCAR Country radio show.

Born September 9, 1956, Hammond resides near Charlotte, N.C., with his family.