In the NASCAR Hall of Fame class of 2024, perhaps no one was more deserving than the 7-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The 48-year-old, now the co-owner of Cup Series team Legacy Motor Club, seemed humbled as NASCAR bestowed one of its highest honors upon him. Johnson’s wife, Chandra Johnson, did her husband’s ring presentation as their two daughters stood on stage in support of their legendary father.

Among the other inductees in the class of 2024 were Donnie Allison and Johnson’s long-time crew chief, Chad Knaus. Knaus and Johnson were among the greatest driver-crew chief pairings of all time. They won countless races and championships together, and it was only fitting that the two friends were inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame together. Much like the 48-year-old, Knaus also had his children on stage as he was being inducted.

Jimmie Johnson says his success story was “all about relationships”

The 7-time Cup Series champion cut a grateful and emotional figure as he went up to the stage to deliver his Hall of Fame induction speech. He was surrounded by the people he loved the most, and his thousands of fans had a smile on their faces as their hero achieved yet another milestone in his storied NASCAR career.

As he stood on the podium and looked at the audience gathered, the 7-time champion expressed his excitement as the moment got real. “What an experience in so many…shared so many Hall of Fame, current Hall of Fame members said that the moment’s gonna get real, I think it just happened,” he said.

As he went through his achievements, he acknowledged everyone who was a part of his journey to the top of the mountain. Legendary drivers are not made without the correct guidance and support and the 48-year-old knows that all too well. The former Hendrick Motorsports driver also said that his success story was all about relationships.

“I realize now, more than ever, how many people played a role in this Hall of Fame induction. Thank you to my family, friends, fans, everyone at Jimmie Johnson Racing, former team members, and teammates. Everyone has been a part of this journey. This success story of 7 championships 83 wins, and now this, is all about relationships,” Johnson said.

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Former team members include a man who shared the stage with Johnson at the Hall of Fame, none other than his former crew chief, Chad Knaus. Speaking about Knaus, the 7-time Cup Series champion explained what his most impressive ability was.

Legendary NASCAR driver hails his ex-crew chief’s brilliance

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It might have been Jimmie Johnson who got the lion’s share of the adulation every time he won the Cup Series title, but his endeavors wouldn’t have been half as successful if he did not have an expert and compatible crew chief. Chad Gnaus was perfect for the driver of the #48 Hendrick Motorsports car, and the 7-time champion acknowledged his contribution every time he sat behind the wheel in the Cup Series.

“As he mentioned earlier on the front stretch at Homestead in 2001, a mutual friend introduced us briefly. Fast forward to a few weeks later and he signed as the crew chief of the #48. We clicked right away with similar interests and everything to prove. We spent a lot of time together and became great friends. We could read each other’s minds. He somehow vividly would understand what I was going through…his work ethic and ability to bring the best out of me was most impressive,” the 48-year-old said.

There was a sense of ‘it’s meant to happen’ when news broke that Knaus and Johnson would be inducted together. One of the most legendary driver-crew chief pairings of all time that dominated the NASCAR landscape for several years was finally honored in the best way possible. It truly was a beautiful moment.

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