by Larry McReynolds

Larry McReynolds: There's a much bigger demand than supply for crew chiefs, and there is no question in my mind that Michael "Fatback" McSwain will resurface with a good, solid race team because there are a lot of good solid race teams in dire need of good crew chiefs.

I was a little surprised with the change. In my book, even though the 18 team hasn't been to Victory Lane this year, they're still pretty close to being solidly in the top 10 in points. They may have one mulligan, but they don't have many in these final eight races.

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For whatever reason, Joe and J.D. Gibbs felt the chemistry wasn't there between Bobby Labonte and McSwain or McSwain and the team. I guess it's no different than the Houston Astros releasing manager Jimy Williams and hiring a new coach with half the season remaining. Joe and J.D. are good people persons, and they know when something is working and when it's not. I'm sure there's more to the story, but for some reason, they felt like things were not headed in the right direction and decided to make a change.

A lot like rule changes, when you know something is not working, don't wait until the end of the season. Fix it now and make it better. There's a very strong chance the 18 team will be better off and Michael "Fatback" McSwain will be better off.

I bet it won't be long until we see him surface with a pretty good race team. I've even heard some rumblings — not to take anything away from Ben Leslie — but I've heard rumblings that he may reunite with Ricky Rudd. But that's strictly rumors and rumblings.

FOX race analyst Larry McReynolds has more than 25 years of NASCAR experience as a mechanic, crew chief and broadcaster. He and his fellow Crew Chief Club members take you behind the wall at www.crewchiefclub.com.

"Larry McReynolds: The Big Picture" is on bookstore shelves now, or you may order your own autographed copy from www.DWStore.com.