DOVER, Del. (May 31, 2009)--The interim crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr. is taking over for the Cup race at Dover, a week earlier than originally planned.

Lance McGrew was scheduled to work with Brad Keselowski on Sunday, but he failed to qualify, freeing up McGrew to call the shots on Earnhardt's slumping No. 88 team.

McGrew had been scheduled to start next week at Pocono Raceway.

McGrew says Hendrick Motorsports made the decision Saturday night.

Team manager Brian Whitesell was the scheduled crew chief, and he will still assist McGrew.