Mike Kelley will be Ricky Stenhouse Jr.‘s crew chief for 2023, JTG Daugherty Racing announced Wednesday.
Kelley replaces Brian Pattie, who moves to Kyle Busch Motorsports to be the crew chief for the No. 51 truck.
“We respect Brian and what he did for the company, and we wish him the best,” said Kelley in a statement from the team. “We learned a lot together and I believe the previous successes and failures gives us the knowledge we need to be competitive and deliver the results for our partners in the coming season.”
Kelley has worked alongside Stenhouse and Pattie since 2020. Kelley was Stenhouse’s Cup crew chief in 2014 at Roush Fenway Racing. Kelley was Stenhouse’s crew chief when they won Xfinity titles in 2011 and ’12. Kelley has worked with Stenhouse in various roles for 12 years.
“Brian and I accomplished a lot together and won two Cup races and that’s not easy in this sport,” said Stenhouse in a statement from the team. “I’m grateful for our friendship and wish him well in his endeavors. Mike and I and the team will continue our preparations this off season and be ready for the new year with our Kroger Racing partners.”
Stenhouse finished 26th in points this past season.
