TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) -- Crew chief Mike Ford is back at the track, focusing on his new job with Aric Almirola instead of the past with Joe Gibbs Racing.

Ford was hired by Richard Petty Motorsports this week as crew chief for Almirola. He was let go from JGR during the offseason despite leading Denny Hamlin to 17 victories and berths in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in all six seasons together.

Ford said Friday he didn't want to talk too much about his time at JGR, but acknowledged he was bothered by the timing of his release. Because every job was already filled when he was let go, Ford was out of work the first nine races of this season.

He was snapped up this week by RPM, which released Greg Erwin.