Joe Gibbs Racing has made a significant change to its athletic department.
First reported by PitTalks.com, Mike Lepp, who has been credited with much of the success the Gibbs pit crews have earned, recently took on a new role within the organization. Now the Senior Athletic Advisor, Lepp will increase his focus on marketing and public relations while also assisting in seeking sponsorship opportunities with companies involved in athletic apparel and equipment.
Matt Osborn will take over the day-to-day operations of the pit crews.
“This is the right time for me to make a change, and I’m excited about my new role in the organization,” Lepp said in a release from the team. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished on pit road, and I know Matt will continue to do a great job going forward.”
A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in exercise physiology, Lepp has been with Joe Gibbs Racing since 2006. As the Athletic Director, he has helped guide their Xfinity and Sprint Cup pit crews to faster performances on pit road through the overall better health and wellness of each individual.
Among Lepp’s accolades include Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 FedEx team winning the Sprint Pit Crew Challenge in 2010 and 2011. In 2014, Lepp and Hamlin’s team were voted the best Crew and Coach by their peers through PitTalks.com.
Most recently, Lepp assembled the pit crew for the No. 19 of Carl Edwards when Joe Gibbs Racing expanded to four teams. Edwards finished fifth in points last season and has four wins since joining the organization in 2014.
Between the Xfinity and Sprint Cup Series, Leep has earned 113 wins.