NASCAR: Team Penske Announces Immediate Exit of Key Long-Term Member

NASCAR Cup Series team Team Penske has confirmed the immediate exit of crew chief Jeremy Bullins, concluding a year-and-a-half collaboration with Harrison Burton and Wood Brothers Racing.

This is the end of Bullins's association with Team Penske which dates back to 2012 when he joined as a crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

During his tenure, Bullins celebrated significant achievements, including 21 victories over two years in the Xfinity Series. His impressive performances later led him to the NASCAR Cup Series, where he further distinguished himself by achieving 10 race victories, working with various Penske drivers including Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Austin Cindric, and most recently, Harrison Burton.

The precise reasons for Bullins' departure have not been publicly detailed. FOX Sports NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass revealed:

Austin Cindric, driver of the #2 Team Penske Ford and Harrison Burton, driver of the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford, race during the NASCAR Next Gen Test at Daytona International Speedway on January 12, 2022... James Gilbert/Getty Images

"Jeremy Bullins no longer crew chief at Wood Brothers Racing. Lead engineer Grant Hutchens now interim crew chief for Harrison Burton. He has filled in as a Penske interim crew chief in past. Still TBD on who will crew chief Josh Berry in 2025. Where Bullins lands for 2025 TBA.

"Team Penske says Bullins is no longer with the organization and is pursuing other opportunities. 'We respect his decision and wish him the best.'"

Replacing Bullins in the interim is Grant Hutchens, who is not unfamiliar with the responsibilities he is about to assume. Hutchens previously stepped in for Bullins during the 2022 season due to both suspension and illness-related absences.

In the first race weekend after Bullins's exit, Burton has qualified in the 34th position for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick has secured the pole position and is closely followed by Cup Series Playoff rivals Kyle Lawson and Christopher Bell who will start from second and third positions, respectively.

23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin follows behind the front three and closing out the top ten are Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Martin Truex Jr, Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, Daniel Hemric, and Justin Haley, in the same order.

NASCAR Cup Series: Homestead-Miami Qualifying Results

1. Tyler Reddick – 32.248
2. Kyle Larson – 32.325
3. Christopher Bell – 32.369
4. Denny Hamlin – 32.428
5. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – 32.599
6. Martin Truex Jr – 32.469
7. Chase Elliott – 32.693
8. Bubba Wallace – 32.505
9. Daniel Hemric – 33.059
10. Justin Haley – 32.596
11. Alex Bowman – 32.441
12. Josh Berry – 32.383
13. Chase Briscoe – 32.480
14. Ty Gibbs – 32.393
15. Carson Hocevar – 32.518
16. Noah Gragson – 32.418
17. Kyle Busch – 32.530
18. Brad Keselowski – 32.465
19. Zane Smith – 32.537
20. Ryan Blaney – 32.477
21. Chris Buescher – 32.544
22. Ross Chastain – 32.507
23. Daniel Suárez – 32.554
24. Michael McDowell – 32.510
25. William Byron – 32.581
26. Joey Logano – 32.562
27. Kaz Grala – 32.644
28. Erik Jones – 32.577
29. John H. Nemechek – 32.652
30. Austin Dillon – 32.597
31. Todd Gilliland – 32.703
32. AJ Allmendinger – 32.637
33. Corey LaJoie – 32.801
34. Harrison Burton – 32.653
35. Ryan Preece – 32.844
36. Austin Cindric – 32.810
37. JJ Yeley – 33.063
38. Chad Finchum – 33.794