NASCAR

• Crew chief Letarte extends contract with HMS

  Pocono, PA (Sports Network) - Steve Letarte, the crew chief for four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, has signed a multi-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports.

  Letarte and HMS made the announcement Friday at Pocono Raceway, the site of this weekend's Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500.

  "I'm extremely excited," the 31-year-old Letarte said. "Hendrick Motorsports is the only company I've ever received a paycheck from. I've worked here since I was a teenager, and they've provided wonderful opportunities for me. I owe a lot to them. I'm really excited to be extended here so I can go a few more years." HMS promoted Letarte to Gordon's crew chief in September 2005 when then crew chief Robbie Loomis departed the team and took a position with Petty Enterprises.

  Later that season, Letarte picked up his first win as a crew chief when Gordon scored the victory at Martinsville Speedway.

  Gordon currently is second in points, but has been winless in the last 49 races, which is the longest drought in his Cup career. His most recent victory came in April 2009 at Texas. Gordon's last series title came in 2001.

  07/30 12:35:27 ET