Who Is Kevin Meendering – Kyle Larson’s Interim Crew Chief at Hendrick Motorsports?

Published 06/22/2022, 9:07 AM EDT

After Sonoma, Kyle Larson and the #5 team were hit with a massive blow as NASCAR handed his pit crew and his crew chief a four-race suspension. Fortunately, though, Hendrick Motorsports called a former crew chief into action for the time being. Kevin Meendering was announced as the interim crew chief for Larson.

Kevin Meendering to sub as No. 5 crew chief for next four races. https://t.co/5BYgarRW7X
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) June 20, 2022

How long will Kevin Meendering head the team?

The new crew chief will head the crew of the #5 team for the Cup races at Nashville Superspeedway, Road America, Atlanta Motor Speedway, and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Article continues below this ad

In addition to these, Meendering and Larson will also team up for the Xfinity Series race at Road America on July 2.

Has Kevin Meendering been a crew chief before?

While the new NASCAR fans may not have heard of Meendering before, he has been associated with Hendrick Motorsports for quite some time. In fact, this isn’t the first time he’ll be working as a crew chief for a superstar driver.

Watch This Story: How Team Penske Owner Roger Penske has Preserved the Legacy of the Iconic Indianapolis 500

This is because Meendering has worked as crew chief of Jimmie Johnson, the seven-time Cup Series champion before. Johnson and Meendering teamed up for 21 races.

Moreover, the crew chief’s overall record with HMS includes three wins, 39 top fives, and 77 top tens in 98 Xfinity Series starts.

What does Meendering do additionally?

Before he was called up for duty to be the crew chief of the defending Cup Series champion, Meendering was heading Hendrick’s stint in the Xfinity Series this season.

Article continues below this ad

Here’s What Forced Hendrick Motorsports to Run a NASCAR Xfinity Program Despite JRM Partnership

The crew chief was responsible for the three races in which Rick Hendrick’s team was participating in the second tier of NASCAR.

It’s also worth noting that Kevin Meendering led Elliott Sadler to the Xfinity Series championship in 2017.

Article continues below this ad

So it can be said that the #5 team need not worry because Kyle Larson is in good hands in the absence of Cliff Daniels, with Kevin Meendering leading his team as the crew chief.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Shaharyar is an F1 & NASCAR writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Journalism from Amity University, he has been a passionate follower of motorsports for a better part of the decade. A Max Verstappen and Ferrari supporter, he dreams of a pairing of the two in future.

Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh

Who Is Kevin Meendering – Kyle Larson’s Interim Crew Chief at Hendrick Motorsports?

How long will Kevin Meendering head the team?

Has Kevin Meendering been a crew chief before?

Trending

Exclusive: Team Kicked Out by NASCAR After a Driver “Snitched” on Them

NASCAR Veterans Take a Dig at Jimmie Johnson’s Star for ‘Wrecking Whole Toyota Line’ With Wild Dale Jr Accusation

Uncertain “Political Environment” Cause Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing to Take a Major Sponsorship Hit

“You’re Pissing Me Off” – Dale Earnhardt Jr Instantly Shuts Down Denny Hamlin’s Solution to Better Talladega

“Just Push Her”: Denny Hamlin Asks Tony Stewart’s Sensation To Move Hailie Deegan Out of His Way

What does Meendering do additionally?