Despite 15-Years & 5 Championships, Chad Knaus Demands “Independent” NASCAR Hall of Fame Recognition

It is not just marriages that are made in heaven but certain partnerships that transcend their professional titles. While some may nod their heads in disapproval at this assertion, the existence of duos like Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus seems to prove otherwise. After spending more than 15 years together and notching Cup Series championships, together, this duo is just a day away from being honored with the biggest title in their professional career.

The 7x Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and his legendary crew chief Chad Knaus are set to be inducted into the 2024 Class of Hall of Fame, owing to their illustrious achievements together as teammates. Although the records that the duo share are a collective achievement, it seems that the Vice President of Competition at Hendrick Motorsports has different demands for the recognition of a lifetime.

Chad Knaus feels there are separate phases to both his and Johnson’s careers

There is no denying that drivers like Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty are indispensable parts of racing. They describe what NASCAR stands for in contemporary times. However, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver is not far behind these two legends both in record and stature. Equalling both the ‘King’ and the ‘Intimidator’ in championships, Johnson is just a step away from being inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with his former crew chief Chad Knaus. 

The duo, over fifteen years, went on to win seven Cup Series titles together among which five came on the spin and were able to seal their fate in their ballot. Johnson received 93% votes while Knaus secured 81% votes. Knaus recently revealed his thoughts on having an individual display rather than a combined one to FOX reporter Bob Pockrass. Knaus revealed, “No, we are so different, there was a period of our lives, 15 years Jimmie and I were like, together. But there was a lot prior to that and there’s been a good chunk after that. So no, I don’t think it is necessarily it needs to be.”

“I think there is enough intertwined, that people will see the connection, obviously it’s natural. But I think Jimmie’s story is very vast. How he came from motorcycle racing and his buggies and his offroad stuff and all of that. And all of those years, that needs to be, something that he has got in his phase. So I think having independent is exactly the way it should be because there is enough of it that is combined.”

When Pockrass inquired about Knaus about his feelings after being teamed up with Johnson, who are as different as chalk and cheese, Knaus divulged, “It’s crazy. It’s hard to believe that. I can remember our first encounter. I can remember our first lunch, where we sat down with the executives of HMS… And we kicked off straight away. So quite honestly it wasn’t foreign to us. We came from different areas and different lives. There were some commonalities that we had.

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“He was racing in Wisconsin with some of those guys in ASA. I raced some of the similar tracks with my father in the Midwest. Even at that point, I was already so far removed. I was 12 years removed from the Midwest when he was doing that stuff. But when we got together we had an immediate connection, really good friendships straight away. And it was not hard for me and Jimmie because he is an amazing individual. Such a likable guy. We hit it off straight away.”

There was further acknowledgment from a certain NASCAR icon for the dynamic duo of Jimmie Johnson-Chad Knaus.

Jeff Gordon shares his elation at his colleague’s accomplishment

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This recognition was long-awaited for the Hendrick Motorsports duo who had reached the zenith of the sport. Moreover, the other driver who is set to be inducted into the HoF is Donnie Allison for the pioneer ballot. On the other hand, Janet Guthrie is the recipient of the Landmark Award.

Speaking on Johnson and Knaus’ accomplishments, Jeff Gordon expressed, “You kept saying no way they do it again. It is just not possible and yet they did. That just goes to show you how much trust there was with that team and how much drive and passion that they had.”

Knaus and Johnson are the 10th and 11th full-time members of HMS to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame ceremony is slated to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, 19th January, 2024.

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Having said that, it is surely a surreal affair for Chad Knaus and his long-time partner. While their roads have bifurcated in recent times, their records would be forever imprinted on the sands of time and recorded on the pages of history.