Five of the seven men who make up the crew -- for years considered the best over-the-wall group in NASCAR -- will be leaving Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the season for Robert Yates racing.

"This opportunity was presented to us earlier this year, and after much thought between myself, (crew chief) Todd (Parrott) and Dale we elected to take advantage of it," car owner Yates said in a statement late Monday. "This sport has been driven to the point where every situation tends to get more specialized."

Crew members Mike Trower, Kevin Gilman, Jeff Knight, Darren Jolly and Barry Muse are Sunday specialists, whose only job is to service the car on pit stops. Two others, Chris Anderson and Mike Belden, will remain with Gordon's team.

The defections are the latest blow to Gordon, who despite a series-leading seven victories this season, has had a troublesome year. Last month, crew chief Ray Evernham, considered the best in the business, left to become a team owner, heading Dodge's return to Winston Cup racing.

A spokeswoman for Gordon, who is co-owner of the No. 24 Chevrolet, said Tuesday the team had no immediate comment.