Roush Names Mike Beam Competition Director

NASCAR teams are in overhaul mode for the 2010 season, with each announcing new drivers, new crew chief and even new sponsors. In Roush Fenway Racing's case, the 2010 preparations bring with them a new competition director, as well as the switch of the crew chiefs.

As a consequence, Mike Beam has been named competition director, while crew chief Ben Leslie will be teamed with rookie Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Eddie Pardue will take care of Colin Braun's ride, in his first season in the series, while Mike Kelley will keep working with Carl Edwards. The two have been a pair for the last three races of the 2009 season, with Edwards managing one win, two top-fives and three top-10s.

"I'm looking to Ben Leslie to provide stability from his 15-plus year NASCAR experience," team owner Jack Roush said according to NASCAR.

"The addition of Beam's position will provide more leadership capacity to our already successful on-track programs and day-to-day production efficiencies."

"I am looking forward to my new responsibilities and challenges," Beam added. "It will be my task to make sure all of Roush Fenway's Nationwide teams are performing at a level to compete for the 2010 championship, as well as either Colin or Ricky winning the rookie of the year title."

"We certainly have the drivers, teams and support from the Ford Motor Company which will make our Nationwide entries capable of continuing Roush Fenway's success in the series."