The No. 7 Hooters Energy Drink Chevy Silverado at Lowe's Motor Speedway. (VPS Motorimages Photo)

Pennington Motorsports team owner J. Pennington officially announced today the signing of Barry Dodson as crew chief of the No. 7 Hooters Energy Drink Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) with driver Jason White effective with this weekend's event from Mansfield Motorsports Park (MMP).

Pennington's announcement comes on the disappointing outcome of the team's effort last weekend at Lowes Motor Speedway which saw the North Carolina based team fail to qualify for the Quake Steak & Lube 200.

Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina Dodson has a history of winning at the highest levels of auto racing. In 1989 he served as crew chief for the now retired Rusty Wallace who scored his only NASCAR Nextel Cup Series championship. Dodson brings to Pennington Motorsports over 35 years of wealth and knowledge making him a quick and welcoming asset to the organization. Dodson has also led teams to victories in both the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series (NNCS) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS).

In addition to a career that has seen him amass more than 75 wins in NASCAR events, Dodson has also spent time as an analyst for the FOX Sports Network and SPEED.

"We're excited to have Barry (Dodson) aboard," said Pennington. "We need to rejuvenate this team after last weekend's misfortune. He is bringing the credentials and expertise to get the job done and we look forward to the positive changes he will be brining to the team."

Driver Jason White said, "I'm looking forward to working with Barry this weekend. I know with his knowledge, he can help me become a better driver and most importantly bring the confidence this team needs to turn our season around. I have a good feeling that things are going to get a lot better."

In addition to the announcement of Dodson, Pennington also disclosed that Dwayne Gaulding, head of sales and marketing for GunBroker.com will serve as general manager of the team effective immediately. Working with Dodson, the duo will piece together a new team in time for Saturday's Ohio 250 with the intent to reward Pennington Motorsports with their first career top-10 NCTS finish.