Regan Smith getting new crew chief

Todd Berrier has left his role as general manager at JTG/Daugherty Racing to become crew chief for Furniture Row Racing and driver Regan Smith.

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Berrier’s duties will begin at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will reconvene for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on July 29 after a week off. Crew chief Pete Rondeau will oversee the company’s research and development effort through his new role as director of vehicle performance development.

"Furniture Row Racing has a reputation in the Sprint Cup garage for its commitment and potential," said the 42-year-old Berrier. "I welcome this opportunity and can't wait to begin my new position at Indianapolis this weekend."

Before Berrier, who had worked with Richard Childress Racing since 1994, joined JTG/D last October, when the company was working to restructure its program. Berrier, 42, served as crew chief for Jeff Burton until one year ago and, before that, had worked with Kevin Harvick, Casey Mears and Jeff Green.

Most recently, Berrier worked with 2000 Cup champion Bobby Labonte, who is 23rd in the points standings. He and wife Ginger currently live in Clemmons, NC, but are expected to move to Denver.

After a short stint with JRG/D, Cole Pearn is returning to Furniture Row Racing as lead race engineer. The Mt. Brydges, Ont., native and graduate of the University of Waterloo worked as an engineer at Richard Childress Racing for two years before joining FRR in January 2010.

Rondeau worked with Smith for the past three seasons. He led the No. 78 team to its first career NASCAR Cup win in 137 starts at Darlington last spring. Rondeau’s previous stint as a crew chief before Furniture Row was with Dale Earnhardt Jr. at DEI in 2005. Rondeau also has worked with Michael Waltrip, Martin Truex Jr., Kenny Wallace and John Andretti. Before Furniture Row Racing, Rondeau worked for Evernham Motorsports.

Smith is currently 26th in the Sprint Cup points standings.