New chief for Stewart

TONY STEWART had made a decision to fire crew chief Darian Grubb, and winning the NASCAR championship didn't change his mind.

Grubb was officially replaced yesterday, 8 days after guiding Stewart to the Sprint Cup title. Steve Addington, who quit as Kurt Busch's crew chief last week, takes over immediately - and begins work as Stewart and Grubb head to Las Vegas to begin the championship celebration.

Grubb was told midway through the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship that he was going to be let go at the end of the season. Stewart had gone winless through the first 26 races of the season, but opened the Chase with back-to-back wins to become a sudden title contender.

But the Stewart-Haas Racing team stumbled, and Stewart made the decision to replace Grubb.

Grubb then led Stewart to three more wins, including a powerful drive in the Nov. 20 season finale to give Stewart the title over Carl Edwards.

Baseball * 

Atlanta Braves righthander Tim Hudson is expected to be ready for spring training after having surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back.

* A full postseason share for the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals was worth $323,170.

Philly File * 

Haverford School infielder Andrew Landolfi has signed to play baseball at Lafayette.

* Ex-Father Judge rushing star Jerry Magallanes (class of '82) will be the head referee for Saturday's ACC title game between Clemson and Virginia Tech.

* Saint Joseph's sophomore forward C.J. Aiken and La Salle junior guard Alexis Scott are the Big 5 players of the week.

* The Soul added Micheaux Robinson, a first-team all-AFL defensive back with Jacksonville last season, when he had 11 interceptions.

Skiing * 

After 4 years of marriage, Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn is splitting with Thomas Vonn, who also serves as her chief adviser and assists as a coach.