Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus, the most successful driver-crew chief combination in NASCAR’s modern era, have each signed multi-year contract extensions to remain with Hendrick Motorsports.
Hendrick Motorsports signs Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus to contract extensions
With Chad Knaus as his crew chief, Jimmie Johnson will remain driver of the No. 48 car for the next two seasons.
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Hendrick signed Johnson to a contract through 2017, while Knaus’ new deal is one additional year and will expire at the end of the 2018 season. In conjunction, Hendrick also announced Lowe’s, which has sponsored Johnson’s No. 48 team since its inception, will remain as primary sponsor for the next two years.
“I couldn’t be prouder to represent everyone at Lowe’s and Hendrick Motorsports,” Johnson said. “This is my home, and I’m looking forward to many more victories together as a team.”
Johnson and Knaus were paired together in 2002 when Johnson advanced to Sprint Cup full-time. The two have since won 72 races and six championships -- including a record five consecutive from 2006-10. Johnson’s six titles put him behind just Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr., who each won seven premier division championships.
A certain first-ballot Hall of Famer when he retires, Johnson owns multiple victories in NASCAR’s four major races -- Daytona 500 (2006, ‘13); Coca-Cola 600 (2003, ‘04, ‘05, ‘14); Brickyard 400 (2006, ‘08, ‘09, ‘12); and Southern 500 (2004, ‘12). Knaus is regarded as one the best crew chiefs in the sport’s history, and is two Sprint Cup titles shy of equaling Dale Inman’s mark of eight championships.
“The contributions Jimmie and Chad have made to Hendrick Motorsports can’t be overstated,” team owner Rick Hendrick said. “When Lowe’s took a chance by sponsoring the No. 48 team back in 2001, we never could’ve envisioned the results. It’s a championship combination and genuine partnership that we’re proud to continue and committed to develop even further.”
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