Earnhardt Ganassi Racing hires John Probst as new technical director

Probst will start his new role next month, having held the same title at the Red Bull Racing Team, where he worked for the past five years.

He will be EGR's first technical director, as the position is new within the organisation. Probst will work closely with the team's competition director Steve Hmiel, overseeing all engineering efforts for the two-car outfit.

"As a race team owner, you owe it to your team, partners and the fans to bring in good people whenever you have the opportunity," said team owner Chip Ganassi. "So when John became available we jumped at the opportunity to bring him on board. We think he will be a great addition to this team."

Before joining Red Bull, Probst - a graduate in physical and mechanical engineering - worked as vehicle dynamics supervisor for Ford Racing Technology, overseeing chassis development, set-up engineering, software and simulations.

With over 10 years of experience at the Ford Motor Company, Probst has held positions in other forms of racing as well, working for Stewart Grand Prix, Ford Racing Technology's Champ Car operation - where he was a programme manager - and also as an engineer for the Jaguar Formula 1 team.

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has endured a tough 2011 and has yet to win this season, while continuing to make moves in order to regain its competitiveness. Earlier this year the team replaced Brian Pattie as Juan Pablo Montoya's crew chief, promoting Jim Pohlman from its research and development department.

The squad has only been a Chase contender once, back in 2009 with Juan Pablo Montoya, while last year it won four races including the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400.