Paul Menard Crew Chief Justin Alexander Earns Fourth MOOG ‘Problem Solver’ Award - Engine Builder Magazine

Paul Menard Crew Chief Justin Alexander Earns Fourth MOOG ‘Problem Solver’ Award

Rookie crew chief Justin Alexander pulled within one win of the leader in the battle for the $100,000 year-end MOOG Steering and Suspension “Problem Solver” award after earning the MOOG brand’s weekly crew chief award in Sunday’s CampingWorld.com 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

08 May--Paul Menard during qualifying for the SpongeBob 400 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, KS.(HHP Photo/Alan Marler)

Rookie crew chief Justin Alexander pulled within one win of the leader in the battle for the $100,000 year-end MOOG Steering and Suspension “Problem Solver” award after earning the MOOG brand’s weekly crew chief award in Sunday’s CampingWorld.com 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. Alexander has now won four weekly Problem Solver awards and will need two additional wins in the final four races to beat current leader Greg Ives, crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 88 Chevrolet.

Sponsored by MOOG Steering and Suspension manufacturer Federal-Mogul Motorparts, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation, the weekly Problem Solver award is presented to the crew chief whose car posts the greatest second-half improvement in average lap time while finishing on the lead lap. Alexander won the award after his driver, Paul Menard, and the MOOG-equipped No. 27 Tarkett/Menards Chevrolet SS posted identical average lap times in the first and second half to finish sixth in Sunday’s event.

The 27 car started 13th and remained in the top 15 for much of the first half of the race. Menard methodically advanced over the final 90 laps, improving from 18th to 8th over a 40-lap span. He was running in the top five with 21 laps to go and had dropped back to 6th when a series of cautions and what ultimately was ruled as the race’s official green-white-checkered finish halted his advance. The race was won by Joey Logano and the MOOG-equipped No. 22 Ford Fusion, completing their sweep of the three-race Contender Round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

“Paul and Justin ran an extremely smart and efficient race – they had good strategy, flawless execution on pit road and a great-handling car for most of the afternoon,” said Tim Nelson, director of motorsports for Federal-Mogul Motorparts. “Justin has his work cut out for him over the next four weekends, but it’s certainly possible that he could overtake Greg and become the first rookie to win our year-end Problem Solver award.”

Ives has five weekly Problem Solver wins and holds the advantage over Alexander in a prospective tie-breaker as a result of the 88 Chevrolet’s edge in Sprint Cup points. Seven crew chiefs have won the weekly MOOG award two times in 2015 and nine have one win.

You May Also Like

Summit Racing Launches ‘My Garage’

In an effort to give car enthusiasts an additional space to show off their vehicles and talk about their projects, Summit Racing has created My Garage on SummitRacing.com. My Garage is a place where you can connect with a community of like-minded folks. You create a ‘garage’ where you can post photos, videos, and updates on your vehicles

In an effort to give car enthusiasts an additional space to show off their vehicles and talk about their projects, Summit Racing has created My Garage on SummitRacing.com. My Garage is a place where you can connect with a community of like-minded folks. You create a ‘garage’ where you can post photos, videos, and updates on your vehicles and projects, then share them with other My Garage enthusiasts. 

TOPDON USA Donates $25,000 for Auto Techs

TOPDON USA, a provider of cutting-edge technology and advanced tools for auto repair professionals and enthusiasts, has announced the donation of $10,000 cash and $15,000 in products to TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the education, training and career development of aspiring auto technicians. To date, TOPDON has donated over $66,000 to aid organizations

Amsoil Becomes Official Lubricant of Lingenfelter Performance Engineering

AMSOIL INC. has formed a strategic partnership with Lingenfelter Performance Engineering (LPE) to make AMSOIL products the official lubricants of LPE performance-engineered products. LPE is renowned for its cutting-edge engine builds and engine and chassis tuning components. They also provide component product-development services, durability testing and life-cycle improvements for manufacturers. Founded in 1973, LPE has

Liqui Moly USA Promotes Two to VP of Sales

The two VPs will help assist in shaping the future of the sales department and driving the success of Liqui Moly.

Formula Drift and Partners to Launch Student Program

The 2024 Driven Experience will be free for students and schools, and will include all eight rounds of the 2024 Formula Drift season. 

Other Posts

Motul Partners with Vance & Hines in Numerous Racing Series

Motul’s oils and lubricants will be used by Vance & Hines in King of the Baggers, Twins Cup, and NHRA.

NTK Technologies Announces Merger into Niterra North America, Inc.

NTK Technologies, Inc. has announced it will merge with Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc.). The merger aligns with the organization’s strategy to unify its global brand and aims to enhance its competitiveness and agility in responding to changing business environments. The merger will take effect on April 1, 2024, and

Thousands Oppose California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

SEMA members and industry consumers send EPA over 5,000 letters in opposition to ACC II Waiver

Howell EFI Launches New Website and Promotions

Howell EFI, a leading manufacturer of electronic fuel injection for older pre-computer vehicles of all types, has newly launched a user-friendly website, as well as introduced free ground shipping on orders over $500 to the lower 48 states, and a March Madness sale of 10% off any order. Related Articles – Cummins Announces Next Gen