Stewart-Haas Racing finalizes driver-crew chief lineup, confirms Kurt Busch’s return

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The Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR team has finalized its driver-crew chief lineup for 2018, including confirming Kurt Busch’s return to the No. 41 car.

SHR announced Friday that Busch will be paired with new crew chief Billy Scott. Veteran crew chief Tony Gibson, who formerly worked with Busch, will remain with the team in a role not yet determined.

Engineer John Klausmeier will become crew chief for Aric Almirola, who is joining the team to replace Danica Patrick in the No. 10 Fords.

There are no significant changes for SHR’s other teams. Rodney Childers will return as crew chief for Kevin Harvick, and the Clint Bowyer-Mike Bugarewicz pairing continues with the No. 14 cars.

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“We have some of the finest talent in the industry, and we’re confident in the leadership of each of our teams as we pursue wins and a championship in 2018,” said Tony Stewart, co-owner of SHR with Gene Haas. “Obviously, we’re very happy to have Kurt Busch back with SHR, and I’m proud to have Aric Almirola as a part of our race team. He’s someone I’ve always been impressed with since we were teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing, and John Klausmeier is more than ready to be his crew chief.

“The partnership between Kevin Harvick and Rodney Childers is the best in the garage, and after a bunch of strong runs and second-place finishes, I think Clint Bowyer and Mike Bugarewicz are ready for a breakout year. We’re in a really good place with each of our race teams.”

Kurt Busch won the Daytona 500 this season but went winless the rest of the year. 

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Eventual winner Jimmie Johnson races during the AAA 400 Drive For Autism at Dover International Speedway on June 4.  Matthew O'Haren, USA TODAY Sports

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Ryan Blaney celebrates winning the Pocono 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 11 by driving in the opposite direction in front of the grandstand.  Matthew O'Haren, USA TODAY Sports

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Fans cheer after a restart in the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway on July 8. Martin Truex Jr. won.  Sam Greene, The Cincinnai Enquier

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Martin Truex Jr., front, executed a perfect fuel-mileage strategy to win the I Love New York 355, Aug. 6 at Watkins Glen International.  Kevin Hoffman, USA TODAY Sports

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Kyle Larson's crew celebrates his third win of the season, at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 13.  Brian Lawdermilk, Getty Images

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Kyle Larson (42) and Kyle Busch (18) during the Aug. 19 Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Busch went on to win, completing the week sweep at Bristol.  Randy Sartin, USA TODAY Sports

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Kyle Busch tosses his son Brexton into the air in victory lane after winning the playoff race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sept. 24.  Sean Gardner, Getty Images

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Kyle Busch shares a packet of caramel M&Ms with mascot Miles the Monster after winning the playoff race at Dover International Speedway on Oct. 1.  Chris Trotman, Getty Images

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Martin Truex Jr. performs a burnout after winning at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 8, for his sixth victory of the season and second of the playoffs.  Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports

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Chase Elliott (top left) crashes into the wall after being spun by Denny Hamlin (11) in the closing laps at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 29. Hamlin would later get passed by eventual winner Kyle Busch (behind Hamlin) on the overtime restart.  Lee Luther Jr., USA TODAY Sports

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Matt Kenseth jumps off his car at Phoenix Raceway after securing his first win of the season on Nov. 12. Kenseth does not have a ride in 2018, so Phoenix could end up being his last Cup victory.  Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports

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Kevin Harvick races during the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 19.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports

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Martin Truex Jr. (78) and Kyle Busch (18) race during the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 19.  Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports

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Martin Truex Jr. (78) celebrates with crew chief Cole Pearn after winning the NASCAR Cup Series championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 19.  Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports

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