The Jeff Hammond Corner

Jeff voted for Gil Martin this week at Martinsville Speedway - 2010.

Why Jeff voted for Gil Martin : ""Gil and the No. 29 team did an amazing job this weekend,” said WYPALL Wipers crew chief representative Jeff Hammond. “They made the adjustments needed after qualifying that enabled Kevin to drive to the front, gave him great pit stops, and inched closer to Jimmie and Denny. These last four races are going to be something to see which crew chief will make the right calls.”"

The Top Standings are:

   1.  Gil Martin number of wins,  7
   2.  Chad Knaus number of wins,  3
   3.  Kevin Manion number of wins,  3
   4.  Greg Erwin  number of wins,  2
   5.  Shane Wilson number of wins,  1

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Jeff's career began in NASCAR in 1974 working as a mechanic and tire changer for Walter Ballard. Becoming one of the best jack men in the business, Hammond served on all three of driver Cale Yarborough's Winston Cup Champlonstip seasons.

Legendary driver Darrell Waltrip took over for Yarborough in 1981 and the Junior Johnson-owned team won the championship that year. At the encouragement of Waltrip, Johnson promoted Jeff to the crew chief position for the start of the 1982 season, beginning a history-making career.

Two more championships and 43 wins with Waltrip followed placing Hammond in the record books as one of NASCAR'S all-time great crew chiefs. Bonn September 9, 1956, Hammond stili resides in the Charlotte, North Caroina area.

In 2004 along with partner Tom DeLoach, Jeff opened PIT Instruction and Training. This is an ultra-modern facillity to train pit crews and provide motivational training for corporations and elite athletes.

In 2005 again with partner Deloach, Jeff became part owner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series team #1. The team won at Memphis in 2005 with driver Brandon Whit and again in 2006 in MartInsville with driver David Starr. The truck was driven in 2007 by Aaron Fike.

Some Fast Facts:

• 43 victories as a NASCAR Winstonr Cup Crew Chief
• 6 Winstonr Cup Championship teams
• Over 500 career starts as a NASCAR Winston Cup crew chief
• 1979, 1989 UNOCAL Pit Crew Championships
• 1989 DAYTONA 500 winning Crew Chief
• 1989 Chevrolet Award of Excellence winner
• 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 Skoal All-Pro Team