NASCAR Hall of Famer Chad Knaus is among the greatest crew chiefs in the sport’s history. With his amazing techniques and assessment of situations, he dominated the early 21st century with Jimmie Johnson. They have won over 80 races in their 17-year-long journey, placing Knaus as the second most successful crew chief.

Despite being a third-generation racer Knaus’s journey to the NASCAR Hall of Fame was not so easy. As a teenager, he honed his skills guiding his father to track championships. However, an emotional gesture from a childhood friend played a pivotal role in completing his NASCAR dream. Recently, Knaus revealed the identity of his ‘Santa.’

Chad Knaus’s childhood friend fuels his NASCAR dream

In episode 270 of Dinner with Racers Hendrick Motorsports’ vice president Chad Knaus unveiled key details of his journey. He attributes his NASCAR journey to his friend, Jimmy Lauder. While speaking about his struggles Knaus recalled Lauder’s heartwarming help which kick-started his NASCAR journey.

“Most of most of my friends were like that baseball, you know, we all went and boozed and did the things that we’re not supposed to do at that age. But I have one buddy and unfortunately, he passed away last year. His name was Jimmy Lauder, and he was a huge part of my life. He was my right-hand guy because I was growing up being a crew chief on the late models. He and I just did, did it all together,” Knaus told on the Dinner with Racers podcast. It’s worth noting that Knaus’ journey started at a very young age. His father John Knaus started training him from the tender age of 10. He prepared multiple notes and audio cassette tapes for Knaus to explain him key details of racing. By 14 years of age, Knaus started serving as his father’s crew chief. However, his goal was NASCAR which he eventually achieved with the help of his friend.

“I remember we, you know, we slept in the same room (while racing at Rockford Speedway), and I said, man, I’m going to go Cup racing. I’m going to be a tyre changer, and I want to be a crew chief in the Cup series. And he is so supportive. He looked at me, he always called me Chadwick. He said, well, Chadwick, I can promise you this. If you go down there and you do that, you’ll be the best they ever saw. And he told me that’s awesome,” Knaus recalled.

However, this was a very ambitious dream for Knaus who struggled a lot financially. Like every other teenager, he made multiple mistakes early in his life and struggled with finances. However, Jimmy backed his belief with action, giving Knaus $1,000 in cash to get a ticket to North Carolina.

“I ended up getting the opportunity to move down with my uncle who was living in Lumberton, NC. But as I said, I didn’t have a dime. And he gives me $1000 cash because he Believes in me. And like I said, it’s unfortunate he passed away last year, but what a great dude and so supportive my whole career,” reveals Knaus.

Jimmy’s influence didn’t end there. While Chad pursued his NASCAR dream, Jimmy continued working in motorsports. He joined Pro Power in the Midwest, focusing on off-road trucks and Sprint car engines. However, in 2023 Knaus lost his beloved friend. “It’s unfortunate he passed away last year, but what a great dude and so supportive my whole career. I will never forget that morning,” Knaus added. Apart from his racing accolades Chad Knaus is also known for his fiery persona. He along with Jimmie Johnson dominated the early 21st century but often fought with each other. According to Rick Hendrick, they fought like brothers. Despite that, they had one of the most successful driver-crew chief relationships.

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How Knaus impressed Ray Evernham?

Chad Knaus journey to become a crew chief was not so straightforward. With his intelligence and daring move, he had earned it over time. Earlier, this year when he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Knaus revealed how he earned his place in Hendrick Motorsports. To get a meeting with his idol Ray Evernham Knaus just made a cold call to HMS. However, to his surprise, Ray got on call and had a discussion with Knaus.

“A few moments later Ray grabbed the phone and his New Jersey accent he said, “Hello, this is Ray.” And I was frozen for what seemed like seconds to me. I told Ray who I was and how I had grown up and what I wanted to do. And I could tell he was in a hurry, which he always is, and he said, “Well, just so happens that we let a guy go today,” Knaus recalled.

As Knaus earned a meeting he continued to impress Ray with his skills and confidence. Recalling their first meeting Knaus said, “He asked me- where do you wanna be in five years? And I thought about it for just a moment, and I was like this could go a couple of different ways. And I said, “Five years Ray? I want your job.”

Knaus’ confidence and bold nature earned him a place in Hendrick Motorsports which started a legendary journey. Since then, Knaus has been an integral part of HMS and have scripted some unforgettable moments in the history of the sport.