When somebody talks about NASCAR’s most historic driver-crew chief duos, the names of Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus are bound to be right atop the list. Having spent a better part of two decades together, they have a lot to look back and reminisce on.
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Knaus, alongside four more Hendrick Motorsports employees, is also helping Johnson in the pursuit of his maiden Rolex 24 title. The familiar setting from his time as a No.48 driver in the Cup Series would give him a certain level of comfort in the IMSA sportscar event.
Following a few days of working on the pit wall, Johnson had some words to share about his colleague and good friend. He also talked about how the other members came in to help him for the prestigious racing spectacle.
Been ‘awesome’ working with Chad Knaus, says Jimmie Johnson
Speaking in an interview, Johnson stated, “It’s been great to work with him. He’s definitely ingrained in the team.
“It’s awesome. There’s nothing weird about it. It’s very meaningful to me, and I know it is to him to be back working together. It’s been awesome. I’m really, really excited about it.”
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 09: Crew chief Chad Knaus stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
Knaus has been through both the good and bad moments in Johnson’s professional Cup Series career. Naturally, their understanding has led to an iron-clad relationship being forged between the two.
“With Rick being involved and all the very talented race people at Hendrick Motorsports, that’s how they ended up there,” concluded Johnson.
Knaus and Johnson enjoyed a golden run of five consecutive Cup Series titles
It took some time for the duo to find the right combination for their car and get things going. But after their first-ever Cup Series title victory in 2006, there was no looking back.
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LOUDON, NH – JUNE 27: Jimmie Johnson (R), driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, talks with crew chief Chad Knaus on the grid prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Records were broken, and the pair continued their winning streak, which led to five consecutive trophies in the latter half of the 2000s. They later added two more to it, making Johnson one of the absolute all-time greats.
The entire team will then look to these two to sprinkle some magic once again. Just like the good old days, both Knaus and Johnson will look to give it their best efforts, en route to possibly winning the event.
MORE – Why Jimmie Johnson Picked the Number ’48’ for His Car When He Joined Hendrick Motorsports