23XI Racing, Wood Brothers Make 2025 Crew Chief Announcements

As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is drawing to a close, two organizations made crew chief announcements on Wednesday ahead of this weekend's Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, the next-to-last race of the 2024 season.

Wood Brothers Racing made the first move on Tuesday morning as the legendary race team, which will enter its 75th anniversary season in 2025, officially selected the crew chief who will succeed Jeremy Bullins next year.

A few hours later, 23XI Racing announced a change for Bubba Wallace and the No. 23 23XI Racing team, which will remove Bootie Barker, who has held the crew chief position with that team since the 29th race of the 2021 season.

Miles Stanley, Championship-Winning Engineer, Joins Wood Brothers

As Josh Berry embarks upon his second season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025, and his first season with the Wood Brothers Racing team, the No. 21 group will have a new driving force from atop the pit box in Miles Stanley.

Stanley, a native of Akron, Ohio, who started working in NASCAR as an engineer and later crew chief for Robby Gordon Motorsports in 2009, has been employed by Team Penske since the 2013 season.

From 2013 until 2019, Stanley served as a race engineer for Joey Logano and the No. 22 team. In that span, the driver and team collected 21 race wins, and Logano won the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Since 2022, Stanley has served in the role of Performance Engineering Manager. Wood Brothers Racing loves the winning pedigree and lengthy resume of success Stanley has had in the sport, and they feel he will mesh well with their organization.

“Miles has built an impressive resume filled with wins and championships, and he has a deep, technical understanding of the sport. His commitment and impressive track record make him a perfect fit for the No. 21 team as we enter an exciting new chapter,” said Jon Wood, president, Wood Brothers Racing. “Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with some of the most talented crew chiefs in NASCAR, and I look forward to seeing what Miles and Josh accomplish on the track next year.”

Stanley, who graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2007 is honored to join the Wood Brothers Racing team as crew chief.

“The Wood Brothers name is synonymous with the sport of NASCAR, and to be able to serve as the crew chief for the iconic No. 21 is an incredible opportunity,” said Stanley. “I’m looking forward to working with Josh Berry, whose skills and enthusiasm are sure to bring great value to the team. It’s an exciting time for the Wood Brothers with the addition of Josh Berry and the celebration of their 75th anniversary in NASCAR in 2025. We’ll be ready to hit the ground running.”

Charles Denike to Serve as New Crew Chief for Bubba Wallace in 2025

Charles Denike, who has collected seven victories over the last two seasons as the crew chief of the No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, has been selected by 23XI Racing to take over as the crew chief of the No. 23 NASCAR Cup Series team in 2025.

Denike is ready for the challenges that come with being a crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“I am excited for the 2025 season with the No. 23 team and to work with Bubba and all of 23XI Racing beginning in the offseason,” Denike said in a team press release. “Bubba is a proven winner, and I believe we will bring out the best in each other. Thank you to Michael, Denny, and Dave for the opportunity to join the 23XI family. They have built an incredible culture at Airspeed."

On one hand, Wallace is sad to see Barker leave the role of crew chief for his No. 23 car, but he's excited to see what he and Denike can do together as well.

“Bootie has meant a lot to me and the No. 23 team,” said Wallace. “We’ve been together for some special moments, and I’m glad he’s still going to be a part of what we’re building at 23XI. I’m excited to work with Charles and see what we can accomplish together.”

Bootie Barker, who had served as the crew chief for Bubba Wallace since late in the 2021 season will remain at 23XI Racing as part of the organization's competition leadership team.

Photo Credit: Tyson Gifford | TobyChristie.com