NASCAR’s ever-evolving landscape has few figures that stand solid and tall, like Chad Knaus’. While narratives of personal transformation often emerge with significant life changes, Knaus’ story continues to be defined by his deep commitment to his craft. As his career unfolds, the balance between personal life and professional ambition raises intriguing questions about how success is achieved in the fast-paced realm of motorsports.
Here’s a closer look at the man behind the achievements, what he wanted, and how he got it.
Chad Knaus’ ambition to be a racer, the void, and how he filled it
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Knaus has a record of being the only crew chief in NASCAR history to secure five consecutive Cup Series championships, a remarkable achievement he accomplished while leading Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team from 2006 to 2010. Knaus has captured seven championships, placing him second all-time among crew chiefs, just one behind the legendary Dale Inman, who holds the record with eight titles.
Knaus was a part of the racing world from the young age of 14, when he often accompanied his father, John Knaus, to numerous racetracks across the Midwest. He took on the role of crew chief for his father’s racing. This early commitment and opportunity to lead played a significant role in molding Knaus long before he made his entry into NASCAR.
But did he ever desire to be a racecar driver? Knaus said in the podcast Dinner with Racers, “I did want to drive a little bit. I never really got a solid opportunity because my father was the driver. I had a couple of stints, but it wasn’t like I hopped in the car, and it was like, ‘Oh, that guy’s fast.’ None of that ever happened. People were really interested in me working on their cars.” What about the race car driver dream?
via Getty
Jimmie Johnson, Team Owner Rick Hendrick and Crew Chief Chad Knauss pose with the trophy after winning the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. (Photo by Brian A. Westerholt/Getty Images)
Knaus said, “I got into motorcycles. So, I was doing some road racing and street racing and things like that, which filled that void for me, and I was still able to work. In high school, I would go to school all day, work on the race car, and then go to the third shift job. Then, I would go to school the next day.”
After completing high school, Knaus relocated to North Carolina to follow his passion for racing. He became part of the No. 24 team at Hendrick Motorsports in 1993, collaborating with Jeff Gordon and Ray Evernham and significantly contributing to Gordon’s NASCAR Cup Series championships in 1995 and 1997. Aspiring to become a crew chief, Knaus moved on to Dale Earnhardt Inc. and later Evernham Motorsports before returning to Hendrick Motorsports in 2002, where he became the crew chief for the rookie driver Jimmie Johnson in the No. 48 team. Rest is history.
Now 53 and a father of two, Knaus has shifted from crew chief to Vice President of Competition at Hendrick Motorsports. When he has time on his hands, he likes to travel, cycle, and snowboard.
Knaus’ approach to life and sports
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Knaus’ remarkable success in NASCAR stems from his intense pursuit of excellence, which has characterized him since he entered the sport. He accepts that he was once a jerk. Although some argue he has softened since marrying Brooke in 2015 and welcoming their children, Kipling, age 2, and Vivienne, born in July, his dedication to his craft remains strong.
Evernham highlights a key distinction in the New York Times: many aspire to greatness but falter when faced with discomfort or the necessity of sacrifice. But Chad was different. He tackles challenges directly. Regardless of his achievements, his passion for being the best remains fiercely alive.
His commitment to the sport and attention to detail reflect a desire to excel in every race, and practice session. When Evernham thought of Knaus, the word that consistently stood out was “commitment.” He has devoted himself to being the best crew chief possible, tirelessly working day and night and demonstrating extraordinary dedication throughout his career.
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