Childers inks deal with Michael Waltrip Racing.

Rodney Childers will join Michael Waltrip Racing as crew chief for David Reutimann's #00 Toyota in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series next year, the team announced Wednesday.

Childers, who served as crew chief on the #19 Gillett Evernham Dodge driven by Elliott Sadler in 2008, replaces Ryan Pemberton, who sought his release from MWR to join Red Bull Racing as crew chief for the #83 Toyota driven by Brian Vickers.

"This is a great opportunity," said Childers, who was crew chief for Scott Riggs for two years at GEM before working with Sadler this past season. "When I heard the position was available, I looked into it because I really liked the idea of working with David.

"We have the same type of personality, and as I see the progress MWR has made, I see it as a place where I could have a long future.

"Their relationship with Toyota also attracted me, because it is easy to see (Toyota's) commitment to NASCAR."

Reutimann returns to the #00 Camry from the #44 he drove for MWR in the final 31 races of 2008, having taken over that car after Dale Jarrett's final points race at Bristol in March.

Reutimann posted four top-10 finishes this year and won the pole for the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.