Q&A WITH DALE EARNHARDT JR. Nov 19, 2009
Earnhardt Jr. strikes a hopeful tone in exclusive QATODAY.com. Earnhardt Jr. strikes a hopeful tone in exclusive Q&A. (USA Today -- Sports)
NASCAR and auto racing » Nov 19, 2009
While crew chief Chad Knaus and Co. were basically rebuilding the mangled mess that was his No. 48 Chevrolet after it was knocked into the wall on the third lap at Texas on Sunday, Johnson stayed inside the cockpit frustrated and replaying the accident in his head. Jimmie Johnson crashed on the third lap of the NASCAR race at Texas, where he was trying to move closer to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Sprint Cup season championship. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Knaus succeeding by learning how to handle failure Nov 19, 2009
Chad Knaus, the most relentless crew chief in NASCAR, has Jimmie Johnson on the verge of a record fourth consecutive championship ... Chad Knaus was clearly distracted as he leaned against a cart during a casual conversation before last week s race in Phoenix. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Hendrick championship part of master plan Nov 17, 2009
Another championship for Hendrick all part of a well-crafted master plan 111709 - The Augusta Chronicle. - Like everything else in his racing and business life, Rick Hendrick already has a well-crafted plan for celebrating another Sprint Cup Series championship. (The Augusta Chronicle)
NASCAR: Johnson makes winning stand at Phoenix Nov 16, 2009
Johnson makes winning stand at Phoenix, has fourth title in sight 111609 - The Augusta Chronicle. -- Jimmie Johnson's victory in Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 epitomized his Chase for the Championship and a likely fourth consecutive championship. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Rewind | OK, so now Stewart's a mellow fellow? Nov 16, 2009
The scariest thing about Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus for their rivals is that they show no sign of slowing down. Mark Martin says the No. 48 team's performance means he has to work harder, next week and next season. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson rolls at PIR Nov 16, 2009
Johnson nears title with huge win at PIR. Johnson nears title with huge win at PIR. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson joins most-dominant talk Nov 16, 2009
Others will tell you that the team is more important, and there is no doubt that Hendrick Motorsports' resources and Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus give him an edge. But Johnson still has to execute in the race. (AZCentral -- Sports)
LarsAndersonInside Nascar Mark Martin is out to end his hex and Jimmie Johnson's streak. Nov 15, 2009
Last week at Texas, Johnson and his crew chief, Chad Knaus, didn't spend as much time working on their qualifying setup as other teams did, and it came back to haunt them. Johnson qualified 12th, which is respectable, but that put him right behind Sam Hornish Jr., who qualified 11th. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Johnson making most of lessons learned from Gordon Nov 13, 2009
Until Johnson s current championship streak with crew chief Chad Knaus, there hadn t really been a dominating duo like that since Gordon and Ray Evernham won 47 races and three Cup championships (1995, 1997-98). Gordon s 2001 title came with crew chief Robbie Loomis. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
A Step Above Rusty Jarrett/Getty ImagesPoints leader Jimmie Johnson is on his way to winning his fourth-straight Chase championship.No one has been as dominant as Jimmie Johnson has been over the last four years. Lars Anderson writes that's just one reason he's nominating Johnson as his Sportsman of the Year. Nov 12, 2009
This isn't the sexiest skill -- surely not as hold-your-breath riveting as, say, Kyle Busch's ability to essentially slide sideways through a turn at 180 miles per hour -- but Johnson is simply the best in the sport when it comes to sensing a problem with his car and using incredibly descriptive language to articulate what he's feeling behind the wheel to his crew chief Chad Knaus. "When Jimmie talks over the radio and tells me what's going on with the car, it's almost like I picture in my head,... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Driver notes Nov 12, 2009
Team notes: NASCAR heads to desert for next-to-last race - USATODAY.com. Team notes: NASCAR heads to desert for next-to-last race. (USA Today -- Sports)
Chase far from being settled with two races to go Nov 10, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Roy's new book: Read an from "Hard Work: A Life On and Off the Court". (News & Observer -- Sports)
Jimmie Johnson Wrecks on 3rd Lap in Texas Nov 10, 2009
Chad Knaus, Johnson's crew chief, slammed his fist on the team's pit box when the accident happened. A few minutes later, he could be heard on the radio calmly telling his crew to take their time and get it right. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Kurt Busch wins at Texas, Johnson 38th after wreck Nov 10, 2009
While crew chief Chad Knaus and Co. were basically rebuilding the mangled mess that was his No. 48 Chevrolet after it was knocked into the wall on the third lap at Texas on Sunday, Johnson stayed inside the cockpit frustrated and replaying the accident in his head. He knows the outcome could have been a lot worse. (FindLaw News)
Kurt Busch claims win; Johnson crashes to 38th Nov 9, 2009
Crew chief Chad Knaus contemplated putting the car on the truck, but the team was able to get it back in the race. By that time Johnson was in scramble mode and was as much a spectator in Busch's battle against his brother as the estimated 167,000 in attendance. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Delayed Gratification Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesEven with his day-ending crash at Lap 3, Jimmie Johnson (48) still holds a sizable lead in the Sprint Cup title chase. In his weekly notes, Bruce Martin details IndyCar's landmark sponsorship agreement, Kurt Busch's lottery-style lucky day and Jimmie Johnson's revised chances for making history. Nov 9, 2009
But rather than park the car and roll it on the transporter for the long trip back to the Hendrick Motorsports shop in Harrisburg, N.C., crew chief Chad Knaus and the team immediately went to work. They cut away the damaged parts of the car, started pounding on the frame and replaced the front and rear clip of the car in an attempt to get it back on track. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Ready To Win Geoff Burke/Getty imagesJimmie Johnson, who is 186 points ahead of the pack, has one win, six top fives, and nine top 10s this season. Jimmie Johnson will win at Texas Motor Speedway en route to winning the Sprint Cup, writes Lars Anderson. Johnson won't let up on the competition in his quest to make history. Nov 7, 2009
Jimmie Johnson will win NASCAR Chase race at Texas - Lars Anderson - SI.com. Posted: Friday November 6, 2009 1:30PM; Updated: Friday November 6, 2009 1:30PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
NASCAR changes adversely affect racing at Talladega Nov 7, 2009
The wait-for-the-finish-line-to-come-to-us strategy worked for crew chief Chad Knaus and Johnson. The No. 48 car was hanging back in the weeds for most of the race and then found its way to the front at the end. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
BrantJamesInside Nascar Crown him now? Not so fast. Here's how J.J. could lose. Nov 5, 2009
Chad Knaus needs to be focused on a four-peat, not a five-peat ... Schedule trickery: What if the rest of the garage actually is able to keep a secret and Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus never learn of the clandestine bonus Chase race NASCAR scheduled for Nov. 17 at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson tops latest Power Rankings Nov 5, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon top NASCAR Power Rankings - Tom Bowles - SI.com. Posted: Wednesday November 4, 2009 4:38PM; Updated: Wednesday November 4, 2009 6:07PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
That Vanilla Problem Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesJimmie Johnson needs only three 10th-place finishes or better to win his fourth-straight Chase title.The world's greatest driver grew up in a trailer park. He gets carsick. He's friendly and charming. So why, Joe Posnanski writes, do people criticize him for being too boring? Nov 5, 2009
"I'm just so fortunate," he says, and then he casually mentions his sponsor (Lowe's, of course) and his racing team, led by crew chief Chad Knaus ("they are incredible"), and his wife, Chani ("my best friend"). There is applause, a short standing ovation. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
McMurray ends skid; Johnsonnears title Nov 2, 2009
Crew chief Chad Knaus sensed a lengthy delay and quickly called Johnson in for gas a decision that may have clinched the title. 1. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson extends lead at Talladega Nov 2, 2009
(AP) -- Jimmie Johnson walked up to crew chief Chad Knaus in the fading twilight at Talladega on Sunday, gave him a little bro-hug and exhaled. "Dude, seriously?" Johnson asked after his improbable sixth-place finish extended his points lead to 184 with three races left in the season. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
MOTOR SPORTS McMurray wins Talladegaas Johnson likely seals title Nov 2, 2009
Crew chief Chad Knaus sensed a lengthy delay and quickly called Johnson in for gas. When cars ahead of him in the running order began to run out of gas after the red-flag delay, Johnson vaulted up in the standings. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
MarkBeechRacing Fan NASCAR conspiracy theorists way off on this year's Chase. Oct 31, 2009
NASCAR conspiracy theorists wrong about Jimmie Johnson, more - Mark Beech - SI.com. Posted: Friday October 30, 2009 5:28PM; Updated: Friday October 30, 2009 5:59PM. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson driving to No. 4 Oct 30, 2009
Johnson doesn t make mistakes and his crew chief, Chad Knaus, doesn t make mistakes. What we are witnessing now will be considered one of the most dominant streaks in all of professional sports. (Atmore Advance, AL)
Don't worry, Jimmie - they're just jealous Oct 23, 2009
Jimmie Johnson (right) and crew chief Chad Knaus cover their ears in the garage during practice at Charlotte. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn) Share: Text. (News & Observer -- Sports)
A Long Fight Rusty Jarrett/Getty ImagesMax Siegel's new team Revolution Racing will be trailed by BET camera crews throughout next season.Former DEI executive Max Siegel is on a mission to get more minorities involved in NASCAR. Thanks to one new innovative deal, he's getting closer, writes SI.com's Brant James. Oct 22, 2009
" Prospects will be paced through challenges each week and judged by a panel including Siegel, NASCAR public affairs executive Marcus Jadotte and a guest germane to that week's storyline. "If it's pit crews, maybe it's Chad Knaus," Siegel said. "Maybe some driver. We'll go from 30 at the combine down to about 10 and then highlight the four Camping World East drivers and the other drivers in the program. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson in control of Chase Oct 20, 2009
Crew chief Chad Knaus is looking even longer into the future. No matter how big a points lead Johnson may build, Knaus said the team won t feel comfortable until lap 287 at (season-finale) Homestead. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Johnson ends four-year losing streak at Lowe's Oct 20, 2009
"But on a night where most of the championship contenders struggled to stay out of trouble, Johnson was ran another flawless race. He grabbed yet another impressive career milestone Saturday night by closing out a weekend in which he led every practice session and started from the pole with his sixth career victory at Lowe's."This was a personal goal of mine, we've been close twice," said crew chief Chad Knaus, who got the Lowe's-sponsored No. 48 back to Victory Lane at Charlotte for the first... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Like him or not, Johnson is good for NASCAR Oct 20, 2009
Besides, Johnson's over-the-radio threat to drive down pit road and strangle crew chief Chad Knaus during Saturday night's race should have fans rethinking that automaton image. He is a passionate competitor. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Catch me if you can Oct 20, 2009
Johnson captured the pole, led the way in practices and won the 500-mile at Lowe's Motor Speedway in what his crew chief Chad Knaus described as a "perfect weekend." While Johnson claimed his track-record tying sixth victory at Lowe's, his closest competitors in the Chase faltered, with Mark Martin finishing 17th and Juan Pablo Montoya coming in a season-worst 35th. Midway through the playoffs, Johnson holds a 90-point lead over Martin and a 135-point advantage over Jeff Gordon, who finished... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Challengers fall as Johnson takes control Oct 19, 2009
" And that's why Johnson won't relax. He heads next to Martinsville, where he's won five of the past six races, but the week after that is Talladega and he's had his share of struggles at the Alabama track. The restrictor-plate race is considered the wild card of the Chase, and Johnson refuses to believe a disastrous day there won't put everyone else back in contention. Crew chief Chad Knaus is looking even longer into the future. No matter how big a points lead Johnson might build, Knaus said... (Erie Times-News, PA)
BruceMartinInside Racing Jimmie Johnson's a lock to win his 4th straight points title, right? Oct 19, 2009
So, what can be done to prevent Johnson, crew chief Chad Knaus and team owner Rick Hendrick from celebrating a fourth straight title ... "Just the combination of Hendrick Motorsports, Chad Knaus, Jimmie Johnson, and Chevrolet ... you name it. The depth that they have is deep. It's like having a basketball team with four or five guys on the bench that could be starters for other teams. It seems like they just have all the weapons. "For the rest of us, it's going to take some luck ... There might... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson widens points lead with another Chase race win Oct 18, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Sat, Oct 17, 2009 11:56 PMModified Sun, Oct 18, 2009 01:26 AM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson rolls to Charlotte win, stretches points lead Oct 18, 2009
"We just completed the biggest goal of my life, dude," crew chief Chad Knaus, who created the criteria for the "perfect weekend" as a goal for the No. 48 Chevrolet, radioed back. "Just so you know. Perfect weekend.". (USA Today -- Sports)
Johnson holds off Gordon, adds to Chase lead Oct 18, 2009
We just completed the biggest goal of our lives: Perfect weekend, crew chief Chad Knaus radioed as Johnson crossed the finish line for his sixth win at Lowes, but first since 2005. The win, his sixth of the season and 46th overall, moved the Lowes-sponsored driver into a tie with Buck Baker for 13th on the career victory list. (MSNBC -- Sports)
NASCAR's Johnson to film series with HBO Sports Oct 16, 2009
Greenburg expects an adventure or two with the notoriously intense crew chief Chad Knaus, who has little time for media when the pressure is on. Knaus can also be super secretive when it comes to strategies and planning, and the exposure could potentially unnerve him. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Home-track wins missing during the Johnson reign Oct 15, 2009
While Johnson waits that doesn't mean he and his crew chief, Chad Knaus, haven't tried to rekindle the magic of victories past. We work on stuff each time we go back. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Only huge misfortune can derail Johnson Oct 13, 2009
Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus had just turned a series of late-race restarts into demonstrations of horsepower and grip and in the process moved to Victory Lane and the top of the Chase standings in a way which had to put a size 12 on the throats of the 11 other Chasers. Late-race restarts, which possess the potential to turn boring to thrilling only provided sick stomachs to a half dozen or so of the best stock car drivers in the world Sunday. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson rolls to victory in California Oct 13, 2009
He didn t panic when a couple of slow pit stops cost him track position early, letting crew chief Chad Knaus make sure he got the car right. Once Johnson did, he wasted little time taking control. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
A different view – and there were plenty – on 'warnings' Oct 8, 2009
Chad Knaus, crew chief for the No. 48 Chevrolet, checks timing data during practice at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 2, 2009 ... KANSAS CITY, KS - OCTOBER 02: Chad Knaus, crew chief for the #48 Lowes Chevrolet driven by Jimmie Johnson works in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Price Chopper 400 presented by Kraft Foods at the Kansas Speedway on October 2, 2009 in Kansas City, Kansas ... BROOKLYN, MI - JUNE 14: Crew chief Chad Knaus (L) talks with team owner Rick Hendrick (R)... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Montoya surprise so far of Chase Oct 8, 2009
"Pattie thinks it can continue because there are many other story lines besides Montoya's to focus on right now. He looks around the garage at counterparts Chad Knaus, Alan Gustafson and Darian Grubb, and doesn't envy the pressures they've got crew chiefing three-time defending champion Johnson, sentimental favorite Martin or Tony Stewart, who is trying to become the first driver-owner to win a title since 1992.So long as those drivers stay in title contention, the plan is to keep Montoya off... (MSNBC -- Sports)
TomBowlesNascar Power Rankings Mark Martin has aced the Chase, but his toughest tests await. Oct 8, 2009
Jimmie Johnson The three-time champ holds on to the top spot this week, albeit barely after a poor pit call by Chad Knaus opened the door for his competition. After dominating the first half at Kansas, the crew chief put four tires on the No. 48 in a cycle during which everyone took two, dropping the team from first to ninth and leaving them trapped in traffic. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
LarsAndersonInside Nascar Two drivers kept their Cup hopes alive and more Kansas lessons. Oct 6, 2009
This skill, more than anything else, has been the underpinning to the success of Johnson, his crew chief Chad Knaus, and the rest of the crew. This is why what happened on Sunday was so unexpected. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Johnson becoming good at mind games Oct 4, 2009
NASCAR, though, hasn't been hesitant to bust Johnson's crew chief, Chad Knaus, before. He was suspended for four races in 2006 for illegally modifying Johnson's Chevy at the Daytona 500. (News & Observer -- Sports)
LarsAndersonInside Nascar Here's 5 reasons Jimmie Johnson won't make history in the Chase. Oct 3, 2009
Choke is too strong a word to describe what happened to Johnson and his crew chief Chad Knaus the last time they entered the season finale trailing in the point standings, but it's not too far off. Go back to 2005. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Mike's Garage: Martin defies age to lead Chase Oct 3, 2009
If there is a twin brother of Jimmie Johnson s crew chief, Chad Knaus, it s Gustafson. He was Kyle Busch s crew chief when he was at Hendrick, and they together won the first race with the Car of Tomorrow at Bristol in March of 2007. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
NASCAR warns Johnson, Martin about cars Oct 3, 2009
" Perhaps stoking the fire was that Chad Knaus, Johnson's crew chief, has been suspended from 12 races and fined 10 times for $199,750, which is tops among active crew chiefs. Knaus said there was damage to the rear of both cars that caused them to measure so close to the inspection boundaries. "They want to make sure it was the damage and wasn't something built in intentionally," Knaus said. "We've had so many cars that have been within the tolerances they've seen are acceptable. The car had... (USA Today -- Sports)
Close call puts Hendrick teams on defense Oct 3, 2009
"If we were cheating, I wouldn't be standing here today, I'd be back in Charlotte," said Johnson crew chief Chad Knaus. "The cars were legal. That's the thing everybody has to understand. It's turned into a bigger issue than what it really should.". (MSNBC -- Sports)
Can anyone catch the Hendrick drivers? Oct 1, 2009
- Chad Knaus slung the champagne bottle over his shoulder the way a businessman would carry his jacket after a long day of work. The casual approach seemed fitting for Jimmie Johnson's crew chief. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Opinion: Chase is not just a two-man show Oct 1, 2009
But as usual, Jimmie and crew chief Chad Knaus were on top of the racetrack and their car, dominating from start to finish. When asked where the 48 was beating him, runner-up Mark Martin said pretty much everywhere. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson dominates en route to fifth victory at Dover Oct 1, 2009
Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus also won their 15th Chase race. No one is better down the stretch and it's the main reason why the No. 48 team is going for its record fourth straight title. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnson assailing record books Sep 30, 2009
Everybody knows crew chief Chad Knaus has been saving something for these final 10 races, and everybody knows Johnson turns it up a notch at title time. "He really manned up today," Knaus understated after Johnson led 271 of 400 laps Sunday. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Edwards, Johnson best Dover picks Sep 26, 2009
Just like each of the last three seasons, Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus have proven able to flip the switch come Chase time, turning on the momentum at just the right time. And Dover has been a monster that the Lowe's crew has had no problems taming. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Rocky Road Ahead Sep 17, 2009
At 33-plus-plus-plus, with his team mostly intact from his previous runs and Chad Knaus -- the consensus pick as the best crew chief in the sport -- atop his pit box, Johnson may not have reached his zenith. And how many among us can say that at 33-plus-plus-plus. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
A Choice Chase Sep 15, 2009
With team owner Rick Hendrick's commitment and resources, and with crew chief Chad Knaus' know-how, this team understands how to excel in the playoffs better than any other team in NASCAR -- favorite label or not. Busch's Disappointment. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Breakdown ofdrivers in Chase for the championship Sep 13, 2009
CREW CHIEF: Chad Knaus. BEST CHAMPIONSHIP FINISH: 1st (2006, 2007, 2008). (MSNBC -- Sports)
Turner Sports, Speed Program NASCAR.com Channel Sep 10, 2009
--Speed's Race & Chase Preview: Michael Waltrip, Greg Biffle, Chad Knaus and Steve Byrnes break down what to look for at the next race, drivers to watch and how it could affect The Chase. --Speed's Rutledge at Large. (Multichannel News)
Remarks by the president honoring NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson Aug 21, 2009
Crew chief Chad Knaus -- did I say that right. And all the folks at Hendrick Motorsports, because we all know NASCAR, winning isn't just about who's behind the wheel during the race, it's also about who's got your back in the pit and everyone back at the shop who preps these cars week after week. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Obama welcomes NASCAR champ to White House Aug 20, 2009
Search Type Choose a search type from the items below. More on Barack Obama. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Full Story » Aug 20, 2009
Obama welcomes NASCAR champ to White House - Yahoo. Search Type Choose a search type from the items below. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Opinion: Team Red Bull has the keys for success Aug 19, 2009
Chad Knaus out-cyphered. Red Bull Racing on the verge of making the Chase this season. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson strikes out on fuel gamble in Michigan again Aug 18, 2009
Whenever we try to stretch it, it just never works, crew chief Chad Knaus said. And we ve run out more times than not when we were trying to make it. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
