From there, he would move into the role of a tire changer on the “Rainbow warriors” pit crew, helping to lead the team to championships in 1995 and 1997. Chad felt that his calling was more then just working on a pit team, so he left HMS and had a short stint with D.E.I. working as a car chief for Steve Park.
From there he once again teamed up with Ray Evernham, after Ray bought his own race team in 2000. Chad knew that his heart was still with the Hendricks organization and in 2002; he was offered the job of crew chief for Rick Hendricks up and coming driver...Jimmie Johnson.
In his first season with the No. 48 team, Chad was announced the crew chief of the year award even though his driver missed out the “Rookie of the year” award, which went to Penske driver Ryan Newman.
Controversy is no stranger to Chad and company, and it was back in 2007 during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Speedway, he and the Steve LeTarte were both found in violation of a pair of out of shape fenders by NASCAR, and they were both fined and suspended a total of 6 races each.
Ever since he was caught stretching the rules a bit, he has been tabbed by a lot of today’s NASCAR fans, as a crew chief that will go to any length to bend the rules to his liking.
Bending the rules has been a common practice ever since the first car took to the track some 60 years ago. So why should today be any different? After all, in the society that we live in, rules are meant to be stretched a bit.
Chad and Jimmie have had more then their share of success, by winning races using pit strategy, fuel mileage, and an occasional bump here and there, and of course the most important tool that any winning team must have...communication.
The way these two communicate before, and during the race exemplifies how championship teams are supposed to be run.
Chad has shown so far throughout his NASCAR career that he does belong besides some of the great crew chiefs of the past. In today’s modern racing era, he has taken a front row seat to greatness, and has set a new standard that all young crew chiefs could learn from.
We have been hearing all the stories about how well Jimmie has been running throughout his career, and especially during his championship years.
Isn’t it time to also give credit to the man who not only helped him reach his potential, but also the man who works long hours to make sure that his driver has the tools to win these races, and championships?
So as the school bells ring across America and the young people who attend these various learning institutions get ready for their summer vacations. It makes you wonder how many of them have used this time to reach their future goals, and put the time in to reap the fruits of success later on in life.
Chad Knaus was one of those youngsters who reached for the stars, and through his hard work and dedication, was able to reach the heavens as he looked to the sky wondering where his life would take him.
Need I say anymore?
I’m Out!
6 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete