Matt Borland isn’t sure exactly what the future holds for him when Haas CNC Racing turns into Stewart-Haas Racing, but the team’s competition director plans to return to the team in 2009.

Borland will have two new high-profile competitors in Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman – a driver Borland worked with for nearly seven years – driving his cars.

“Hopefully, I can just keep helping out with the team wherever fits best, whatever that role might be,” Borland said Sunday at Michigan International Speedway. “We haven’t had many conversations yet.

“[The drivers] both have a lot ahead of them as far as the rest of this year and the Chase [For The NASCAR Sprint Cup]. I think they’re trying to get all that stuff done this year and put in the best effort they can there, and then we’ll focus on next year.”

Borland was crew chief for Newman at Penske Racing from the time Newman started driving stock cars in 2000 through 2006. He then was paired with Dale Jarrett for the start of 2007 at Michael Waltrip Racing. That pairing didn’t work, and Borland landed at Haas CNC Racing in May 2007.

With Newman joining the Stewart-Haas Racing team next season, Borland expects to work in some capacity with his friend.

“It’s great to have him coming here next year,” Borland said. “It’s good to have another friend on board. It’s great. Obviously he’s an incredible driver. I’m looking forward to some good things.”

SceneDaily.com

Bookmark to: