Gene Nead from Circle Bar Racing has been named as the Team ASE/CARQUEST Motorsports Technician of the Race for his winning efforts at the Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway. $500 will be donated in Gene's name to National Automotive Technician's Education Foundation (NATEF) from Team ASE and CARQUEST.

NATEF was founded in 1983 as an independent, non-profit organization with a single mission: To evaluate technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry and recommend qualifying programs for certification (accreditation) by ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The NATEF process has resulted in certified automotive training programs in all fifty states at the secondary and post-secondary levels. NATEF also evaluates the providers of in-service technician training programs under a program called Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE).

Nead was recently hired as the crew chief for the No. 14 Circle Bar Racing Ford piloted by NASCAR Camping World Truck Series veteran Rick Crawford. The duo wasted no time in arriving together in Victory Lane, doing so in the third event of the 2004 NCTS campaign. Prior to joining Circle Bar Racing, Nead served as the crew chief for Ted Musgrave at Ultra Motorsports. The combination of Musgrave and Nead won numerous races and narrowly missed a couple of NCTS championships in the past two seasons. Nead is known for his dedication to his craft and for his innovative approach to motorsports. He will serve as a key addition in Crawford's quest for a NCTS crown.

"Everyone at Circle Bar Racing dug deep after Atlanta and worked extremely hard to get ready for Martinsville", Nead said. "Preparation proved to be the key as we were fast from the start. We have really come together since the start of the season and showed our strength by winning in Martinsville. I proudly accept this award on behalf of Circle Bar Racing and thank the fine folks at Team ASE and CARQUEST for everything they do. ASE is a great organization and continues to certify some of the best professionals in the country.”

Gene Nead
Birthdate: September 2, 1963
Birthplace: Kennett Square, PA
Residence: Mooresville, NC
Spouse: Marcy