Knaus wins Crew Chief of the Race award

Chad Knaus, crew chief for the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, faced multiple obstacles during the Crown Royal Presents the Jim Stewart 400 at Richmond International Raceway. A rescheduling of the race from Saturday evening to Sunday afternoon due to rain was only the beginning of a tough day for Knaus as he dealt with a loose car, hot breaks, air pressure and more. However, Knaus kept a cool head while working on the multiple problems his driver, Jimmie Johnson, radioed in, calling for the necessary adjustments during pit stops. Knaus’ communication with Johnson combined with quick and accurate assessments of the problems, lead the 2006 Nextel Cup Champion to the checkered flag, capturing the team’s fourth victory for the season. For his outstanding race day calls along with team leadership and direction, Chad Knaus was awarded the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race.

Arriving at Richmond International Raceway for the 400-lap race, Knaus faced two obvious statistics that would provide most with justifiable mixed feelings. On the one hand, his driver did not have a good overall record for his previous 10 starts at the three-quarter mile track. However, on the plus side, Knaus also knew coming into the fourth Car of Tomorrow (COT) race of the year that the Hendrick Motorsports team had unquestionable success due to excellent preparation with the COT than any other team. With four victories for four starts in COT races, including two wins for Johnson, teams have taken note that the Hendrick organization has their COT strategy together. “It is great to see the Hendrick Motorsports cars running up front," said Knaus. “Thank you Hendrick Motorsports for everything you do. I just can’t say enough."

A panel of voters, including a member of the local media, Tony Eury Jr., Kenny Francis, Robbie Reiser and a WYPALL* Wipers representative were unanimous in selecting Knaus as the Crew Chief of the Race. “Chad and the entire Hendrick team were very dominant today," said Eury of Knaus’ efforts at Richmond International Raceway. “Chad and Jimmie seem to have great communication and are definitely one of the best crew chief / driver combinations out there. It was a great weekend for their team."