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Greg Zipadelli
Greg Zipadelli
Greg Zipadelli
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Gregory C. Zipadelli, nicknamed "Zippy", (born April 21, 1967) is an American crew chief and team executive in NASCAR. Since 2025, he has worked for Rette Jones Racing as the team's Vice President of Business Operations. Zipadelli is most notable for being the crew chief of the No. 20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Tony Stewart and Joey Logano from 1999 to 2011. He won 34 races and two championships as a crew chief and the competition director at Stewart–Haas Racing from 2012 until the team's closure in 2024.

Key Information

Racing career

[edit]

Zipadelli began his career in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour series, becoming the crew chief for his family's team and immediately winning a championship with driver Mike McLaughlin in 1988, at the age of 21. When McLaughlin advanced to the Busch North Series in 1990, Zipadelli joined him. They won five races during the pair's four-year tenure together and claimed another championship in 1997 as the crew chief for Mike Stefanik.[1]

In 1999, he joined Joe Gibbs Racing, partnering with IndyCar Series champion turned NASCAR rookie Tony Stewart. Their accomplishments include the 1999 Rookie of the Year title, winning a rookie-record 3 races,[2] three Chase for the NEXTEL Cup appearances, and two championships in 2002 and 2005. The duo of "Smoke" (Stewart) and "Zippy" (Zipadelli) currently have the 3rd longest crew chief-driver relationship in NASCAR with 356 races behind Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus (602 races) and Richard Petty and Dale Inman (905 races).[3] However, that relationship ended as of the 2008 season with Stewart's departure from JGR.

In 2009, Stewart left JGR to become a co-owner of Haas CNC Racing, with the team renamed Stewart–Haas Racing. He would drive the team's new No. 14 Chevrolet. JGR Nationwide driver Joey Logano took over the driving of the No. 20 Toyota, with Zipadelli continuing as crew chief.

In December 2011, Zipadelli moved to Stewart–Haas Racing to reunite with Stewart, but as competition director, not as a crew chief. However, it was later announced that Zipadelli would be a part-time crew chief for SHR for their part-time No. 10 car driven by Danica Patrick that year, starting with her Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500.[4] On October 20, 2013, Zipadelli filled in for Steve Addington on the No. 14 car in the race at Talladega Superspeedway, as Addington's wife was giving birth. Austin Dillon filled in for the injured Tony Stewart as the driver in the race.[5]

Zipadelli and his driver Joey Logano on pit road before the race at Bristol in March 2010

He briefly returned to crew chief on June 14, 2020, in the Xfinity Series when Chase Briscoe’s crew chief, Richard Boswell, was suspended. The race was a success, as Briscoe won, giving Zipadelli his first Xfinity Series win.

SHR closed down after the 2024 season (although co-owner Gene Haas retained ownership of 1 of the team's 4 Cup Series charters and SHR's Xfinity Series operations and continued fielding those entries as a new team, Haas Factory Team) and in February 2025, Zipadelli joined Rette Jones Racing, an ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Canada Series and late model team, as their Vice President of Business Operations.[6]

References

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Greg Zipadelli

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Greg Zipadelli (born April 21, 1967) is an American motorsports executive and former NASCAR crew chief renowned for his strategic leadership in the Cup Series, where he secured two championships and 34 victories during a career spanning over three decades. Nicknamed "Zippy," he began his professional journey in 1988 at age 21 as crew chief for his family's NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour team, immediately winning the series championship with driver Mike McLaughlin and achieving five race victories that season. His early success in the Modified Tour and subsequent roles in the Busch North Series and Busch Series, including stints with drivers like Todd Bodine, laid the foundation for his ascent to NASCAR's premier division. In 1999, Zipadelli joined as crew chief for the No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet driven by , marking his entry into the Cup Series; their partnership yielded the team's first win at that year and evolved into one of NASCAR's most dominant duos, culminating in championships in 2002 and 2005, along with 33 victories over ten seasons. After Stewart's departure in 2009, Zipadelli continued with the team through 2011, guiding and contributing to one additional win, bringing his total Cup Series triumphs to 34 across 437 starts, with 133 top-five finishes and 238 top-10s. Transitioning to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2012, Zipadelli served as competition director and later vice president of competition, overseeing the four-car organization's race strategy and operations for 13 years while occasionally filling in as crew chief, such as for in 2021 and in the Series. In February 2025, he joined in , as vice president of business operations, tasked with enhancing the team's efforts, partnerships, and long-term growth.

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Gregory C. Zipadelli was born on April 21, 1967, in . He grew up in , as a native of the area. Zipadelli was the son of Chick and Diane Zipadelli, and he spent his childhood with his older sister, Kim, and younger brother, Scott, in a family deeply involved in local motorsports. His family's ownership of the Sherwood Racing team in the Modified circuit provided early exposure to automotive mechanics, where young Zipadelli assisted with the team's operations on Connecticut's short tracks. During the 1970s and 1980s, Connecticut's racing culture thrived around prominent short tracks such as Stafford Speedway and Thompson Speedway, where Modified racing was a staple of the region's working-class communities. This environment, characterized by grassroots enthusiasm for , helped foster Zipadelli's mechanical aptitude and lifelong interest in the sport from his teenage years.

Entry into motorsports

Greg Zipadelli began his professional career in motorsports at the age of 21 in 1988, serving as crew chief for his family's team. Working with driver Mike McLaughlin, Zipadelli guided the team to the series championship that year, securing five race victories that season and establishing himself as the youngest crew chief to claim a title in the tour's history. His rapid ascent stemmed from hands-on experience gained from childhood, where he tinkered with modified cars starting at age three or four under the influence of his uncle, who owned a team, and his father, a motor builder. This foundation allowed Zipadelli to hone mechanical skills in assembling and maintaining high-performance modified vehicles, often stored and worked on at home in a collaborative family environment. Strategically, Zipadelli developed expertise in short-track setups through trial-and-error methods, leveraging the Modified Tour's demanding conditions to innovate without preconceived limitations due to his . These techniques emphasized precise adjustments and tailored to varied track surfaces, building a versatile approach that contributed to the team's immediate success. This debut season in the Whelen Modified Tour laid the groundwork for his progression to higher regional series, including the Busch North Series.

NASCAR career

Modified and Busch North Series

Greg Zipadelli began his career as a crew chief in the , achieving early success at a young age. In 1988, at just 21 years old, he guided driver Mike McLaughlin to the series championship, securing five victories, 15 top-five finishes, and 20 top-10 results across the full 24-race schedule. This triumph, with Zipadelli overseeing car preparation and setups for the high-handling modified vehicles, marked his first major title. Following the Modified Tour, Zipadelli transitioned to the Busch North Series (now ARCA Menards East Series) in 1990, initially partnering with McLaughlin. Over their four-year collaboration, the duo amassed five wins, multiple pole positions, and consistent top finishes, honing Zipadelli's expertise in adapting car setups to varied northern circuits and weather conditions. These regional accomplishments underscored his tactical prowess in crew leadership and vehicle optimization, laying the groundwork for higher-level NASCAR roles. In 1997, Zipadelli returned to the Busch North Series as crew chief for , leading the driver to the championship through a season of strong consistency, including two victories—at Star Speedway in August and Thompson Speedway in September—14 top-five finishes, and 16 top-10 results in 22 races. Stefanik's title run, powered by Zipadelli's refined setups for the series' stock car format, highlighted his ability to maximize performance in competitive fields, further solidifying his standing in northeastern motorsports. These foundational experiences in modified and Busch North racing directly informed Zipadelli's later strategies in the .

Joe Gibbs Racing tenure

Greg Zipadelli joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 1999 as the crew chief for the No. 20 Home Depot-sponsored car, pairing with rookie driver Tony Stewart following a recommendation from Jimmy Makar and a pivotal meeting with team owner Joe Gibbs. In their debut season, the duo secured three victories—at Richmond (leading 333 laps), Phoenix, and Homestead-Miami—while Stewart finished fourth in points to claim the Raybestos Rookie of the Year award. Over the next decade, Zipadelli and Stewart formed one of NASCAR's most enduring partnerships, competing in 356 races together, the third-longest driver-crew chief duo in Cup Series history at the time. Their collaboration yielded 33 Series wins and two championships, in 2002 (when Stewart tied for the title with three wins) and 2005 (with five victories en route to the crown). Zipadelli's strategies emphasized meticulous execution, such as refining fuel management after early setbacks like running out of gas at Loudon in 1999, which helped build a team dynamic where he handled operational details to allow Stewart to focus on driving. This approach contributed to consistent top finishes and poles, solidifying their status as a powerhouse within . In 2008, following Stewart's departure to start his own team, Zipadelli remained as crew chief for the No. 20 and guided 18-year-old Joey Logano through a challenging transition to the Cup Series in 2009, amid high expectations from replacing a two-time champion. Logano faced criticism for inconsistent results, with Zipadelli later reflecting that the young driver was rushed into the spotlight before fully maturing, though he praised Logano's raw talent and work ethic. Key moments included strategic fuel mileage calls, such as instructing Logano to stretch his tank during the rain-threatened 2009 race at New Hampshire, securing his first Cup win in a shortened event. Over 144 starts from 2009 to 2011, they notched one victory, five poles, and 41 top-10 finishes, adding to Zipadelli's total of 34 Cup wins at JGR. Zipadelli departed after the 2011 season, concluding a 12-year tenure, to reunite with Stewart as competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing.

Stewart-Haas Racing role

In 2011, following Tony Stewart's formation of Stewart-Haas Racing as a co-owner, Greg Zipadelli joined the organization in 2012 as competition director, reuniting with his former driver from where they had won two championships together. In this executive role, Zipadelli oversaw the team's multi-car operations, initially focusing on building infrastructure for drivers including as she transitioned to full-time Cup Series competition in 2013. By 2013, Zipadelli had been promoted to of competition, managing strategy and alignment across Stewart-Haas Racing's four-car Series lineup, which included high-profile drivers such as and, starting in 2014, . He occasionally stepped into hands-on roles as interim crew chief, serving in that capacity for Patrick's No. 10 during her early races, including the and subsequent events to provide guidance during her adjustment period. Similarly, in the Series, Zipadelli filled in as crew chief for at the 2020 Homestead-Miami Speedway race, leading the No. 98 to victory in what marked his first win in that series. Under his leadership, the navigated key regulatory shifts, such as the introduction of the Gen-6 car in 2013, by establishing a dedicated test and adapting fabrication processes to meet the new specifications for and parts standardization. Zipadelli's 13-year tenure at Stewart-Haas Racing concluded in with the team's announced closure at the end of the season, during which his oversight contributed to the organization's 70 Cup Series victories overall, establishing it as a competitive force in the sport.

Rette Jones Racing position

In February 2025, Greg Zipadelli was hired as Vice President of Business Operations for , based in . Drawing on his prior executive experience at Stewart-Haas Racing, Zipadelli's role focuses on overseeing business strategy, team development, and operational expansion to support the team's growth in ARCA and other motorsports series. Zipadelli's responsibilities include forging partnerships with short-track entities and enhancing driver development programs, particularly for talents like , who has been integral to the team's racing efforts. His strategic emphasis lies in integrating Cup Series expertise with grassroots racing initiatives, exemplified by alliances such as the one with Port City Racecars to supply and engineering support for competitive advantages in short-track divisions. In the early months of 2025, Zipadelli contributed to team restructuring following the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing, refining race operations and bolstering long-term sustainability through strengthened business relationships on and off the track. These efforts have positioned for expanded participation, including oversight of its Euro Series program alongside co-owner Mark Rette.

Other ventures

Drop Zone Hunting TV show

Greg Zipadelli co-created and co-owns the hunting television series , in partnership with outdoor industry veteran Hal Shaffer, which airs on the . As the show's co-host, Zipadelli draws from his lifelong passion for hunting—a favored downtime activity away from motorsports—to guide viewers through immersive outdoor adventures. The program features Zipadelli and Shaffer on hunting expeditions targeting deer, big game such as and bears, and across diverse North American locations, blending high-stakes pursuits with practical instruction. Educational segments emphasize conservation practices, ethical techniques, and essential outdoor skills, aiming to foster responsible stewardship of natural resources. Episodes typically follow a 30-minute format centered on "friendly competition" between the hosts, as seen in hunts in for whitetail deer or for feral hogs, where they share tactics and camaraderie while pursuing game. Aimed at bridging audiences from fandom to outdoor enthusiasts, the series seeks to educate younger viewers on ethics and through engaging, real-life narratives. The show airs regularly on the , with episodes available via streaming platforms like MyOutdoorTV.

Port City Racecars involvement

In February 2025, following the acquisition of Port City Racecars by , co-owner of , Greg Zipadelli was appointed as Vice President of Operations, bringing his extensive background to the company's leadership team. This move positioned Zipadelli to guide the chassis manufacturer's expansion in the short-track racing sector, focusing on operational efficiency and market growth. Under Zipadelli's oversight, Port City Racecars continued its specialization in producing high-performance for , particularly super late models, while forging strategic alliances to enhance its footprint. A key partnership emerged in June 2025 with Highlands Motorsports, integrating Port City and engineering support to boost competitiveness in series like the ASA STARS National Tour. Additionally, in October 2025, the company acquired Wight Motorsports, rebranding it as Port City Racecars and incorporating its championship-winning designs into the broader portfolio. Zipadelli led efforts in sales expansion and key partnerships, including the integration of JRD Chassis components to streamline production and parts supply. He also collaborated closely with David Wight, the former Wight Motorsports owner, to promote the company's offerings and maintain strong ties with the community. Emphasizing and innovation in short-track components—such as advanced designs tailored for grassroots racers—Zipadelli leveraged his expertise to drive sustainable growth and superior performance standards. This operational synergy with further supported shared resources for enhanced development.

Personal life

Family

Greg Zipadelli has been married to Nanette Zipadelli (née Turcotte) since the late 1990s, following their engagement announced in 1999. The couple has three children: Zachary Charles, born on September 5, 2001; Elwina Sophia, born in 2006; and Gianni Gregory, born on June 18, 2008. Originally from , Zipadelli and his family relocated to , to align with the hub of operations.

Interests and philanthropy

Beyond his demanding career in NASCAR, Greg Zipadelli maintains a deep passion for and , which serve as vital outlets for relaxation and reconnection with . He has described spending time in the woods pursuing whitetail deer or as a counterbalance to the high-stakes intensity of racetrack management, often engaging in these activities independently of his endeavors. His enthusiasm extends to , reflecting a broader commitment to outdoor pursuits that include and conservation awareness. Zipadelli's philanthropic efforts center on supporting children and families in need, exemplified by the Zippy's Crusade for Kids, a charity he co-founded with his wife Nan in 2003. This ride event, held annually in the Adirondacks region of New York from 2003 to at least 2012, raised funds through rides, auctions, and sponsorships to benefit children's organizations, particularly those aiding less fortunate youth and families facing medical expenses for ill or disabled children. Inspired by his adopted sister Tina's experiences with disabilities stemming from childhood abuse, the initiative donated significant sums to relevant causes, drawing on Zipadelli's network—including sponsors like Home Depot and participants from the racing community—to amplify its impact. The non-profit organization remains active as of 2023. Through his involvement in outdoor media, Zipadelli contributes to conservation initiatives by promoting about and habitat preservation, overlapping briefly with the environmental focus of his show to encourage engagement in responsible outdoor . His charitable work also ties into broader NASCAR-related efforts, fostering community support in motorsports circles while prioritizing aid for vulnerable children over racing-specific programs.

References

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  3. https://speedwaymedia.com/2021/09/10/exclusive-first-seasons-with-greg-zipadelli/
  4. https://www.nascarreference.com/crew/crewstats.php?CrewChiefID=47&Series=1
  5. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/09/28/greg-zipadelli-to-fill-in-for-rodney-childers-as-kevin-harvicks-crew-chief/
  6. https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/08/02/stewart-haas-racing-announces-new-executive-leadership-structure/
  7. https://www.jayski.com/2025/02/15/greg-zipadelli-named-vice-president-of-business-operations-for-rette-jones-racing/
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  39. https://www.outdoorchannel.com/show/greg-zipadellis-drop-zone/videos/1432/drop-zone-staying-in-gods-country/363389
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