CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Stewart Cooper was hired as crew chief for Kyle Petty Tuesday, taking over the slumping No. 45 Dodge after it missed the past two races.

Cooper replaces Billy Wilburn heading into this weekend's race at Phoenix.

Cooper was recruited to Petty Enterprises by vice president Robbie Loomis, who noticed Cooper's work during a stint in the Nationwide Series running a team for Braun Racing.

Now he steps into a team that ranks 41st in points and must qualify on speed for Sunday's race at Phoenix.