Cole Pearn is back in NASCAR for this weekend’s Playoff elimination race at the Charlotte roval. Why is Martin Truex Jr’s former crew chief back and what role will he perform?
Cole Pearn back for Charlotte roval
Pearn was Truex’s crew chief during the driver’s Furniture Row Racing career – first partnering up in 2015.
The two would go on to win 22 races together between 2015-2019.
Pearn also crew chiefed Truex to the 2017 Cup Series title for the relatively small FRR #78 squad.
At the end of 2018, Toyota-backed FRR shut it doors, as Truex and Pearn moved across to powerhouse Joe Gibbs Racing.
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After seven wins and second place in 2019, Pearn left his duties as Truex’s crew chief, returning to his native Canada.
This weekend at the Charlotte roval, Pearn will return to Truex’s #19 operation as an additional spotter.
Teams often use just one spotter for a traditional oval race, but owing to the nature of road courses, more are often needed.
Pearn will fill this role at the 17-turn Charlotte roval, where Truex must win to be assured of a place in the Round of 8.
What has Pearn said?
“I’ve been working for Gibbs since last December, just under the radar,” Pearn explained to Sirius XM NASCAR radio.
“With the new car coming, stuff i’ve been working on, I need to see it in person a bit, so it makes sense to come this week and hit the race.
“It made sense to do something together again.
“I was keeping a low profile, but Bob [Pockrass] had to read the roster and see my name, but it’s been good!”
“I feel like all the road courses, you spot a little bit from the pit-box, especially Sonoma.
“I’m pretty sure as long as I don’t mess up the lefts and rights, and I can pay attention to that, I should be ok.”
