Martin edged out Tony Stewart crew chief Darian Grubb, who captured MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” honors in the final race. Martin and Grubb each finished with four weekly MOOG Problem Solver wins, but Martin held a commanding advantage in the tiebreaker based on final Sprint Cup points.
The MOOG Problem Solver of the Year and Problem Solver of the Race awards are sponsored by global automotive supplier Federal-Mogul Corporation. The Problem Solver of the Race Award is presented to the crew chief whose car delivers the largest increase in average lap speed during the second half of each Sprint Cup event while finishing on the lead lap.
Harvick and Martin’s MOOG-equipped No. 29 Chevrolet finished third overall in Sprint Cup points and posted three wins, 16 top-five finishes and 17 top 10s. Martin captured MOOG Problem Solver of the Race honors at Talladega, Darlington, Loudon and Richmond. Grubb claimed his fourth weekly MOOG Award at Homestead after the No. 14 Chevrolet improved by a race-best 0.352-second per lap.
“Gil and Darian battled all year for this award, and it’s fitting that it came down to the final few races, just like the Cup championship,” said Federal-Mogul Motorsports Director Tim Nelson. “Gil is the consummate champion, with an unbelievable eye for detail and an ability to make the right call under pressure. We’re pleased that he, like so many other NASCAR crew chiefs throughout history, chose MOOG components to get the job done.”
