“Re-establishing our own over-the-wall crew has been high on our radar,” Furniture Row Racing General Manager Joe Garone said. “But before entering into this vital operation, we wanted to make sure that we had everything in place that would allow up to produce a highly-qualified over-the wall crew.”

According to a press release from FRM, the organization has hired Mike “Tiny” Houston to serve as pit coach. Houston previously worked at Hendrick Motorsports as a front tire carrier.

“With Mike Houston coming on board to lead us in this new venture, he brings first-hand experience and a thorough understanding of what it takes to develop and maintain a successful pit crew week in and week out,” Garone said.

Houston will train the crew at Performance Instruction & Training in Mooresville, N.C.

“Being able to train at the state-of-the-art PIT facility is a great opportunity that will only enhance our program,” Garone said.

– Photo courtesy of Getty Images for NASCAR

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While Busch is committed to the No. 78 car for the remainder of the season and for 2013, it is unclear how long Smith will drive for Phoenix Racing — whether the arrangement will be just a one race deal, a remainder of the year arrangement, or carry over into 2013.

According to officials at Phoenix Racing, putting Smith in the No. 78 for Charlotte is a tryout, of sorts. The team is still looking for a sponsor for next year, and car owner James Finch, reportedly, doesn’t want to commit to a specific driver for 2013 until sufficient sponsorship is found.

Busch joined Phoenix Racing to drive the No. 51 after leaving Penske Racing at the end of 2012. The car has gone unsponsored for much of the year.

Smith has been racing at the Sprint Cup level since 2007. He posted his lone-career win at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway last year, driving the No. 78.

As far as 2013 goes, Smith has been confirmed to also be on a short list of potential drivers for the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-owned JR Motorsports team in the Nationwide Series.

Smith’s isn’t the only name that has popped up as a potential candidate to drive Finch’s No. 51 next year. Recently reinstated driver A.J. Allmendinger has also, reportedly, talked to the car owner about driving for him next year.

Allmendinger lost his ride at Penske Racing in July, soon after being indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for violation of its substance abuse policy. He has since been reinstated by NASCAR.

– Photo courtesy of Getty Images for NASCAR

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– Amanda’s also on Twitter @NASCARexaminer and has a fan/like page on Facebook: NASCAR Examiner