Luke Lambert – a veteran crew chief in both the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series — has been named as the crew chief for JR Motorsports’ No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro entry, driven by Noah Gragson for the 2022 season.
Lambert replaces Dave Elenz, who has graduated to the NASCAR Cup Series as crew chief for Petty GMS Motorsports’ No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Erik Jones.
The 39-year-old comes to the NASCAR Xfinity Series after an eight-season tenure at NASCAR’s top-level, most recently working with Roush Fenway Racing to call the shots for Chris Buescher and Ryan Newman. Lambert has found success in the second-tier series as a crew chief in the past, serving as crew chief for Elliott Sadler at Richard Childress Racing in 2012.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity with JR Motorsports,” Lambert said. “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of really good opportunities and experiences in the sport, and looking at JR Motorsports and what I think we are capable of accomplishing, it felt like a really good fit. That’s what was exciting for me, because I feel like we have the opportunity to be really competitive and make a run at the NASCAR Xfinity Series title. That’s what I wanted to be part of here.”
In 2021, Gragson recorded three victories, 13 top-five and 20 top-10 finishes, which culminated in a berth into the Championship 4 race at Phoenix Raceway, where he finished third in point standings, behind Daniel Hemric and Austin Cindric.
“I can’t wait to start working with Luke and to see what his experience and knowledge can bring to this No. 9 team,” said Gragson. “After how close we came to winning the championship last season, there’s a ton of momentum on this No. 9 Bass Pro Shops/TrueTimber®/Black Rifle Coffee team, and I think Luke will bring a fresh perspective to what we already have at JR Motorsports.”
As a crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series, Lambert has one victory – Phoenix in 2017 — 26 top-five and 86 top-10 finishes. In 2012, Lambert led Richard Childress Racing’s No. 2 team to four victories and a second-place points finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Jason Burdett will return to the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro with Justin Allgaier for the seventh season, while Mike Bumgarner will serve as crew chief for Josh Berry’s No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro. Finally, Sam Mayer will have Taylor Moyer as the crew chief of the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro in his first full season of competition.
