JGR's Chris Gayle to serve as Erik Jones' 2017 Sprint Cup crew chief

Furniture Row Racing announced Thursday it has hired Chris Gayle as crew chief for the team's 2017 rookie contender, driver Erik Jones.

Gayle, 40, comes to the FRR from fellow Toyota team, Joe Gibbs Racing where he worked 14 years as an engineer and ultimately an XFINITY Series crew chief since 2013 -- collecting 17 wins with three different drivers.

"We are thrilled to have Chris join our team and work with Erik (Jones) next season," Furniture Row Racing President Joe Garone said.

"His crew chief record in the XFINITY Series has been impressive, but more importantly his record proves that he knows what it takes to win a race. It's a great fit with Chris coming from Joe Gibbs Racing with whom we have a technical alliance. This hire has all the makings of a seamless transition for Chris since he has already worked with Erik and has a thorough understanding of the Toyota affiliation."

The timing of the promotion seems especially right as nine of Gayle's 17 wins in the XFINITY Series have come this season -- seven by Kyle Busch and one each by Denny Hamlin and Sam Hornish Jr.

The new team will be paired up with veteran FRR driver Martin Truex Jr., who has qualified for the Sprint Cup Series Chase with two wins this season -- including last week’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

"I watched Furniture Row Racing from afar and have been impressed with the success they have had with Martin (Truex Jr.) in the No. 78 Toyota," Gayle said. "This is a great opportunity to join a first-class team led by owner Barney Visser, who is deeply committed to provide the necessary resources to be successful in the Cup series."

Jones, 20, who leads the XFINITY Series with three wins this year, was understandably enthusiastic about the news, having worked successfully with Gayle before.

"I am not only excited to have Chris as my crew chief, but also excited for Chris in a career move that he deserves," Jones said. "I have worked with Chris and we have a mutual respect for each other. I feel we have an opportunity to have a good year together, and at the same time, build a team from the ground up.

"Chris has had tremendous success in the XFINITY Series and has shown time after time how to win races. We can't wait to make our debut in Daytona with the No. 77 5-hour ENERGY Toyota."

via Holly Cain (NASCAR.com)