Needing a victory in one of the final four Sprint Cup races before the Chase field is set is not the optimal time to change spotters, but that’s what Greg Biffle faces beginning this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.
Car owner Jack Roush confirmed on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio this week that Biffle’s longtime spotter, Joel Edmonds, is no longer in that role.
“The race was not perfect at Watkins Glen between the crew chief and spotter communication and based on that we made the decision to make a change,’’ Roush said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about Edmonds’ departure. “It was time to make a change and we’re moving on.’’
Jason Reiner, who has spotted for Chase Elliott, will be Biffle’s spotter beginning this weekend. Baffle admits there will be challenges adjusting to a new spotter while also seeking a Chase spot.
“It’s not one of the changes I was looking for, but it was time to head down a different path, I think, for the company,’’ Biffle said Friday. “It’s not preferable to start out with a new spotter, especially with Bristol next week and four races before the Chase. It’s business, and we’ll work through it the best we can to get up to speed with listening to a new guy up top.’’
Biffle enters the weekend as the winningest active driver at Michigan with four wins. His last Cup victory was at Michigan in June 2013. Baffle ranks fifth in points scored at Michigan in the seven races there since.
Biffle is 80 points - more than a full race - out of the last Chase eligible spot. He has one top-10 finish in the last 10 races.
“We understand that we have four races and we have to win one of them to get into the Chase,’’ said Biffle, who has made the Chase six of the last seven years. “We feel the pressure, trust me.’’