For the sixth consecutive season, Kevin "Bono" Manion will lead his driver, Martin Truex Jr. and the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats team into the 2009 Sprint Cup season. The duo began their partnership in the Nationwide Series in 2003 at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway and have enjoyed a close friendship on and off the track ever since.

The two quickly proved to be a formidable combination working together in the Nationwide Series as they finessed their way to 12 wins, 32 top-five’s, 48 top-10 finishes and 10 pole positions during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. The awards quickly followed, with Truex winning the 2004 and 2005 Nationwide Series championship, as well as the series Most Popular Driver award both years. Manion was also voted Crew Chief of the Year for both seasons.

Since moving with Truex to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series full time in 2006, the Massachusetts native has lead the team to one victory, 12 top-five’s, 30 top-10’s and one pole position.

The obvious highlight in Manion’s Cup career is leading his team and driver to their first victory in June of ’06 at Dover International Speedway. The victory also propelled Manion’s driver into the 2006 Chase, where he finished 11th in the championship standings.

Originally from Boylston, Massachusetts, Manion gave up his full-time job as a plumber to make racing his career. By age 14, he was helping out Bobby Fuller in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Series. Starting out as a general mechanic, he worked his way up to tire changer. From 1988 - 1992, he served as crew chief for Chris Woods in Late Model competition.

Manion eventually moved to North Carolina to further his racing career as a general mechanic for Larry Hedrick Motorsports with Ricky Craven as driver and good friend Tommy Baldwin as crew chief. Bono and Tommy not only worked together, but also shared a house. Steve Park moved in with the pair in 1997 when he was named as the driver of the No. 3 ACDelco Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series, a car owned by Dale and Teresa Earnhardt. Park got Manion in the door at Dale Earnhardt Inc. in June of that year and he’s been with them ever since.

"Martin and I have been able to work together from day one," said Manion. "We are both very competitive individuals and are always looking for ways to gain a competitive advantage and get this Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet to victory lane. I’m looking forward to starting the 2009 season; I think the Earnhardt/Ganassi relationship will only make all of our teams stronger."