Donnie Bender is officially a part of Kenny Bernstein racing this weekend.

Bender, most recently crew chief for Don Prudhomme Racing, leaves a legend to join a legend with Bernstein. He’s joining former DPR co-tuner Todd Smith, who was appointed as crew chief after the release of Rob Flynn.

Getting his hands dirty with the tuning challenges pleases Bender.

Donnie Bender is officially a part of Kenny Bernstein racing this weekend.

Bender, most recently crew chief for Don Prudhomme Racing, leaves a legend to join a legend with Bernstein. He’s joining former DPR co-tuner Todd Smith, who was appointed as crew chief after the release of Rob Flynn.

Getting his hands dirty with the tuning challenges pleases Bender.

“I’m real excited to be here,” Bender said. “I’m a racer and want to be out racing. I was down to selling parts over there. When the opportunity came along to come over here I jumped on it. I knew Todd real well. He and I will work good together.”

Bender had a test run two weekends ago in Concord, NC, when he served as an adviser.

“I didn’t know what I was advising,” said Bender. “I was over there just to make sure I could get along with everybody. It worked out good for me.”

Bender follows a line-up of former legendary tuning legends Dale Armstrong, Lee Beard and the husband/wife duo of Tim and Kim Richards. He understands following those iconic figures puts a challenge directly on his shoulders.

“It’s a big challenge to follow those legends, but I’ve worked with a few legends as well, like Dick LaHaie,” Bender said.