SceneDaily is reporting that Joe Gibbs Racing has announced that Greg Zipadelli, Tony Stewart’s only crew chief throughout his entire Sprint Cup career, will remain with JGR next season, despite Stewart’s leaving.

Both Stewart and Zipadelli said they would remain close friends.

Stewart said:

We’ve accomplished so much in our 10 years together on the track, and off the track, he’s been like a big brother to me. It’s a friendship I cherish and expect to continue, even while he stays at Joe Gibbs Racing and I move on.