Chief among them: after searching high and underneath hoods, we've chosen the top 10 crew chiefs in Winston Cup

Sporting News, The, Sept 22, 2003 by Lee Spencer

6. Kevin Hamlin

Car: No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.

Driver: Robby Gordon.

First year as Cup crew chief: 1994.

The late Dale Earnhardt, who began driving under Hamlin in 1998, called him the best crew chief on pit road. Mike Skinner, who also drove under Hamlin, described him as "awesome" and "sly as a fox." Team engineer Chris Andrews says, "He's paying attention to every detail and knows the history of every car."

Hamlin's quiet demeanor is his secret weapon. It allows him to slip under the radar, and it has a calming effect on the Type A drivers Hamlin always seems to work with. Former engine man Mike Hawkins says it best: "When Hamlin turned down a million-dollar motorcoach because he'd rather hang with his guys, you knew he was all about the racing."

7. Greg Zipadelli

Car: No. 20 Toe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet.

Drive: Tony Stewart.

First year as Cup crew chief: 1999.

When Stewart won the 2002 title, he gave much of the credit to "Zippy." Over the last four years, Zipadelli has made the transition from mechanic to crew chief, team spokesman and den mother. The consensus within the team is that Zipadelli "is the glue that holds this deal together." Hammond says, "Despite the team's up and downs, Zippy keeps fighting back."

Zipadelli's mechanical strength is his chassis expertise. In addition, he is wise to follow the advice of shock specialist Ronnie Crooks, who's also atop the pit box on race day, in regard to setups and what changes to make throughout a race.

8. Robbie Loomis

Car: No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.

Driver: Jeff Gordon.

First year as Cup crew chief: 1991.

Loomis' apprenticeship under Richard Petty was invaluable. At a young age, Loomis learned how to squeeze the most out of a car. Couple that with the resources of HMS and a driver the caliber of Gordon, and Loomis has everything he needs to win championships.

"The chemistry really works for me and still does," says Gordon, who admires Loomis' competitive nature and won a title with him in 2001. "He has that drive, but he's extremely calm." Loomis operates without an ego. He knows when to be stern with his team and when to have fun, so the crew doesn't get burned out.

9. Richard 'Slugger' Labbe

Car: No. 15 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet.

Driver: Michael Waltrip.

First year as Cup crew chief: 1998.

During years at Hendrick Motorsports and a short stint as a crew chief with Robert Yates Racing, Labbe learned from the best before engine builder Richie Gilmore lured him to DEI. Gilmore knew Labbe's dedication would pay off.

Labbe won't ask his crew to do any chore he wouldn't do himself. "Slugger's guys would do anything for him" Gilmore says. And that includes Waltrip, who in the last two years has gone through an amazing transformation, on and off the track. Labbe's ability to light a fire under Waltrip may be proof of the best motivational skills in the garage.

10. Michael 'Fatback' McSwain

Car: No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet.

Driver: Bobby Labonte.

First year as Cup crew chief: 1997.

Although a few crew members remain from 2000, Labonte's championship season, Labonte believes that McSwain's arrival this season was the impetus for this team's turnaround. "Michael's not worried about a lot of things other than racing," Labonte says. "He eats, breathes and sleeps racing."