Tony Eury, Jr.

Tony Eury, Jr. (born January 3, 1973) is the former crew chief of JR Motorsports #7 Chevrolet Impala driven by Danica Patrick and Kelly Bires in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Eury had been the head of Hendrick Motorsports Research and development group but, previous to that, he served as crew chief for Dale Earnhardt, Jr., his cousin on his mother's side. Eury is the son of veteran crew chief Tony Eury, Sr.

Early life

Eury was born into a racing family in Kannapolis, North Carolina. His family lived near the Earnhardts north of Charlotte and the heads of both families, Ralph Earnhardt and Ralph Eury, were close friends. Tony Eury, Jr. is the son of Tony Eury, Sr. and Sandra Gee, daughter of famed engine builder Robert Gee. Dale Earnhardt, Sr. married Sandra's sister Brenda and they had Dale Earnhardt. Jr. as a child. Despite both marriages ending in divorce both sons grew up together.

Racing career

Eury worked with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. from 1991 to 2007. In 1993, he became the car chief (and one of the tire changers) for Dale Earnhardt's NASCAR Busch Series team, working under his father, crew chief Tony Eury, Sr. In the 2004, 2006, and 2008 seasons, Eury helped Dale Earnhardt, Jr. get into the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and challenge for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. The 2004 season began with a win at the Daytona 500, the first of 6 wins that season.