It is no doubt that Tony Stewart and Greg Zipadelli have the chemistry required to be successful at NASCAR’s top level. With Zippy calling the shots from the pit box, the two brought Sprint Cup titles to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2002 and 2005 before parting ways in 2008 when Stewart accepted an offer from Gene Haas to become a partner in his two-car team.

 Stewart and Zipadelli will reunite in 2012 after the championship crew chief made the decision this week to leave JGR and join Stewart-Haas Racing as Competition Director, a position left vacant when Bobby Hutchins departed the team last July.

"We took our time in searching for a competition director because it's an important role with a lot of responsibility," Stewart said. "Greg and I have a long and successful history together. I know him, and he knows me and we both know what it takes to build race teams.

Zipadelli will also oversee Danica Patrick’s Cup efforts next season and will be her crew chief for the 2012 Daytona 500.

"Joe Gibbs always says that you win with people, and Tony Stewart is a winner," Zipadelli said. "We won a lot together at Joe Gibbs Racing, and it was a sad day when he left. But Tony had an unbelievable opportunity with Stewart Haas Racing, and he's obviously made the most of it."

Steve Addington was recently named as Stewart’s crew chief after Darian Grubb was notified midway through the Chase he would be released after Homestead. Grubb has moved to JGR where he will serve as Denny Hamlin’s crew chief.

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