The San Jose native has been a fixture in the NASCAR garage for four decades since joining Rod Osterlund in 1977.

Richert led Dale Earnhardt to rookie-of-the-year honors in 1979 and his first championship 1980, but now is looking to move in a new direction.

“I love the sport of motor racing,” Richert told Motorsport.com. “It’s all I’ve done my entire life. But the time had come to move on.

“I’d like to thank BK Racing and (team owner) Ron Devine for the opportunity and his dedication and the sacrifices he made for the sport.”

Over the last 40 years, Richert has worked for Richard Childress Racing, Roush Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Robert Yates Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing and Junior Johnson Racing. He guided various drivers and teams to 26 wins in NASCAR’s top three tours.