Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Chad Knaus will call his last race as crew chief this November before moving into the role of vice president of competition, Hendrick Motorsports announced Tuesday afternoon.
Knaus touted as one of the finest crew chiefs of all-time along with Jeff Andrews, are being promoted into new leadership roles within the HMS campus.
“When I started at Hendrick Motorsports (in 1993) working for Ray Evernham, my goal was to be a crew chief,” said Knaus. “Starting at a young age, I wanted to win every race we entered and battle for every championship.
“Mr. (Rick) Hendrick has given me the chance to do exactly that, and I could not be more thankful to him. After all these years, my competitive desire has not changed at all, but now I have a family that deserves my attention.”
Knaus, 49, has 82 victories as crew chief and seven championships, including a record streak of five in succession with then driver Jimmie Johnson from 2006 to 2010.
Knaus guided William Byron to his first career NASCAR Cup Series victory in August at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway propelling Byron into the post-season Playoffs and continuing a steak for Knaus of being apart of NASCAR’s Cup Series Playoffs since its inception in 2004, first with Johnson, then with Byron in 2019 and 2020, respectively, 17 consecutive years in all.
Following Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway in November, Knaus will retire his radio and headshot and transition into his new role which will oversee the technical direction of Hendrick Motorsports expected four-car organization, including the sport’s “Next Gen” model set to debut in 2022.
The Rockford, Ill., native will also be responsible for personnel dedicated to the organization’s four NASCAR Cup Series entries, including crew chiefs, pit crews, engineering, fabrication, assembly and other team-related staff.
“This new executive role will allow me to compete in a different way with all four of our teams while spending more time with my wife and two young children,” added Knaus. “I appreciate the company supporting my decision, and I’m truly excited about the challenge ahead of me to help us grow and win.
“I’m also looking forward to working closely with Jeff, who I admire and have great respect for. I owe so much to Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, and I’m ready for the next chapter.”
Knaus will report to Andrews, 55, who is being promoted to executive vice president and general manager of the Concord, N.C.-based empire, effective immediately.
Andrews joined Hendrick Motorsports in 1992 and most recently served as vice president of competition since 2017.
“As we look to the years ahead, Jeff and Chad are going to play significant roles in our success,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports.
“They’re tremendous leaders who are respected within our organization and across the entire auto racing world. In addition, they each bring unique strengths and skillsets that will complement each other extremely well and benefit all of Hendrick Motorsports. We’re in the business of winning, and this combination is going to help us do just that.”
While Hendrick said Knaus will be missed atop of the pit box on Cup race weekends, he’s excited to see him thrive in his new role.
“In life, it’s rare to witness true excellence first-hand, but that’s precisely what we’ve been treated to with Chad,” Hendrick added. “Today’s announcement is bittersweet because, in my opinion, he is the finest crew chief our sport has ever seen.
“Although we’re going to miss him atop the pit box, I’m heartened that Chad has made this decision for himself and his growing family and that he is energized about the opportunity to move us forward in a new capacity. There is no one with higher standards or a stronger passion for winning. He will continue to elevate Hendrick Motorsports and instill his championship mentality throughout the company.”
Following the announcement, HMS drivers Byron and Johnson released video statements on social media, praising and congratulation Knaus on his new endeavor.
Byron thanked Knaus for helping mature as a growing NASCAR Cup Series driver and “elevating” the No. 24 team to another level, while Johnson wished Knaus well in this next chapter of his career.
“I just want to give a shoutout to Chad Knaus. A huge congratulations to you and the move that you’re going to make,” Johnson said. “We shared so many great expectations throughout our career in motorsports.
“I know what you mean to me and to my family and I’m so happy for you and your family on this next chapter in your career.”
Johnson will retire from full-time Motorsports competition at the conclusion of the 2020 season.
While there has been no official announcement of Johnson’s NASCAR plans (if any) for next season, the 83-time Cup winner announced earlier this month that he will join Chip Ganassi Racing and compete in the IndyCar Series with a focus on road and street courses.
Hendrick Motorsports said a replacement crew chief for Byron will be divulged at a later date.
I have learned a lot from Chad these last 2 years. Thanks for helping this team grow, win a race and make the playoffs 2 years in a row. pic.twitter.com/2tgkTsuJpF
— William Byron (@WilliamByron) September 29, 2020
Congrats Chad https://t.co/TbkMuWWZTZ pic.twitter.com/UC0CBGLQKX
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) September 29, 2020
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
