Crew chiefs serve a paramount role in facilitating the drivers to perform well. From making immediate pit strategies to watching out for tire wear and tear, their job is very hectic and they can’t afford any time off during the race. The job deserves much more respect than it usually gets.

From Steve Letarte to Chad Knaus, Hendrick Motorsports has had no dearth of legendary crew chiefs. There was one, however, who was also the first collaborator of the late great Dale Earnhardt Sr, but did not stay with the team for very long. Tony Furr, after serving for four years, said his goodbyes to HMS. However, he didn’t get the goodbye that one usually gets upon resigning, about which he opened up in a recent interview.

The moment that triggered Tony Furr’s exit from Hendrick Motorsports

The former crew chief’s relations with Rick and John Hendrick were great. Furr loved the garage in which he worked and did not have any problems with the team. However, there was a driver with whom Tony didn’t get along.

In a recent episode of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Tony Furr talked about his time at the HMS garage and shed light on his resignation.

During the conversation with Dale Jr and Mike Davis, the former crew chief revealed, “I loved Rick and John Hendrick to death and that place over there was awesome. Rick Hendrick was super to me. Just Nadeau and I didn’t get along, as simple as that.”

Recalling an incident from April 2002, Furr said, “He [Jerry Nadeau] threw the steering wheel at the sidecar and then kicked the door and says ‘A piece of s**t.’ I mean that was it. I went off.”

“They called me to the meeting and wanted me to apologize. I said, ‘If I tell you I’m sorry, that’s the same as telling you a lie.’ I said, ‘I’ve never lied to you all and I’m not going to start today.'” Furr added.

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The moment was rather impulsive which led to such a big step. However, there must’ve been a strong reason behind Furr’s actions.

The incident that led to hard feelings between Tony Furr and Jerry Nadeau?

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The incident took place at the Martinsville Speedway where Jeff Gordon and Jerry Nadeau were fighting hard for the pole. But the outcome for Nadeau was heartbreaking, as his car hit the curb and he did not even qualify. This made him furious, and he vented his anger out on the car.

Nadeau’s act made Tony furious following which he jacked him up and asked him to leave the garage. But Furr’s approach was considered very rough and subsequently, he was asked to apologize. Tony refused to do so and parted ways with the team.

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From Furr’s point of view, it certainly seems like Nadeau’s actions were disrespectful; however, the driver’s frustration is also understandable. Though Furr moved on and had a long career with 457 races as a Cup Series crew chief, it can be argued that his career could have been even more promising had he stayed with HMS. Though one has to respect the integrity Furr showed by staying true to his beliefs.