Crew chief change for Schrader.

BAM Racing have announced the addition of David Hyder as the new crew chief of the #49 Schwan's Home Service Dodge driven by NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader.

The 37 year-old Hyder replaces interim crew chief Donnie Richeson, whose final act as Schrader's crew chief resulted in a 20th place finish in Sunday's EA Sports 500 at the Talladega Superspeedway.

Hyder comes to BAM after a four-and-a-half year stint with Petty Enterprises, where he held several positions, most recently, car chief of the #43. Accompanying Hyder in the transition is shock specialist, Dean Johnson.

"I'm certainly glad that BAM Racing gave me this opportunity," Hyder said. "These guys run a top-notch organization, and I'm tickled to death to be over here. I've driven late models for 17 years, and I understand what it's like to be in the car and out of the car. Hopefully I can share the responsibilities with all the guys that work on this Schwan's Home Service team and we can help it continue go forward. I think Schrader and I will work well together, and I look forward to the future here at BAM Racing."

Spending most of his adult life in auto racing, Hyder drove late models for 17 years in various series including the Hooters Pro Cup and Slim Jim All Pro Series. Hyder then worked as a crew chief in the Hooters Pro Cup before moving to Petty Enterprises. At Petty Enterprises he spent the majority of his tenure working as car chief on both the #45 and the #43.

"It's important for BAM Racing to continue to move forward, and the addition of David is a big step in the right direction," team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau explained. "David brings so much energy to the team. We felt it was best to get the crew chief we wanted in here quickly, so that we can use these next few races of 2004 to gel, and use as a springboard for 2005."

Schrader, who is currently 31st in the Nextel Cup standings, should be joined in the BAM line-up next year by German driver Klaus Graf as the team tries to expand.