Turner Motorsports Announces Mike Shiplett as crew chief for Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet

MOORESVILLE, NC (January 10, 2012) - Turner Motorsports is pleased to announce that Mike Shiplett has been added to the team's roster of veteran crew chiefs to lead the No. 38 Great Clips team with driver Kasey Kahne and up-and-comer, Brad Sweet. It is a reunion of sorts for Shiplett and Kahne who were paired together in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) during the 2007 season and put down impressive results including two victories.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to join Turner Motorsports," said Shiplett. "This is a team that has proven that they have all of the necessary tools to go out and contend for wins each and every week and I look forward to helping to add to their success. I'm especially excited to work with Kasey again and to establishing a strong relationship with Brad. Great Clips is the longest-running sponsor in the series, so I am very proud to represent them both on and off the track."

Shiplett, a former racer himself, has over 20 years of racing experience and has worked at several championship-caliber teams in all three of NASCAR's top touring series. The Ohio-native will have a unique opportunity next season to work with a successful veteran (Kahne) and an up and coming rookie driver (Sweet). Kahne will be driving the No. 38 for 15 races throughout the year with Sweet stepping in to fill out the balance of the 33 races on the NNS schedule.  

For his part, Kahne looks forward to teaming back up with Shiplett and feels that he could be just the person to help lead the No. 38 Great Clips team back to victory lane.

"It will be great to work with Mike again," said Kahne. "He's done a lot in the sport and he will be a great asset to Turner Motorsports. This 38 team has been on the verge of getting back into victory lane and I think the addition of Mike to the team is just what we need to get us there."

Great Clips, Inc. is currently the longest-running sponsor in the NNS and has used the Nationwide Series as their primary marketing platform for the last 11 years. Their sponsorship began in 2000 with Akins Motorsports as they climbed on board to sponsor the team's No. 38 entry with driver, Christian Elder. Mark Green piloted the No. 38 for one season before general manager, Doug Stringer, hired up-and-coming talent, Kasey Kahne, thereby solidifying Great Clips commitment to their NASCAR sponsorship. 

-Courtesy of Turner Motorsports