Hendrick names Sospenzo No. 25 crew chief.

Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick today named Peter Sospenzo as crew chief of the No. 25 UAW-Delphi Chevrolet through the remainder of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season, replacing Brian Pattie.

"It's exciting for me to join an operation like Hendrick Motorsports," said Sospenzo, who has nearly 20 years of Winston Cup experience. "My goal is to work hard, produce results on the race track and make the most of the opportunity I've been given."

Sospenzo, 45, will assume the position immediately, leading the team into Sunday's event at New Hampshire International Speedway with driver Joe Nemechek.

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native most recently worked with drivers Jeremy Mayfield and Mike Wallace as crew chief of Penske Racing's No. 12 Winston Cup entry from 1999 through 2001. He joined the team in December 1997, serving as car chief before being named crew chief in May 1999.

In his first full season as crew chief in 2000, Sospenzo led Mayfield to two victories, four pole positions, three runner-up finishes, six top-fives, 12 top-10s and 10 top-10 starts.

Pattie will return to his role with Nemechek's NASCAR Busch Series operation as team manager and crew chief.