Lowe’s/Kobalt Tools team arrived at Texas Motor Speedway on the wave of momentum. Two consecutive victories had placed the Hendrick Motorsports team only nine points behind the leader in the driver championship. For Sunday’s running of the Dickies 500, the team did not let up. Knaus and his driver, Jimmie Johnson, proved once again why they are considered one of the formidable partnerships in the garage, driving away from Texas clinching their ninth win of the season. For Knaus, it was a demonstration of strategic planning and racing knowledge as the No. 48 crew chief made a late race call that differed from the teams around him, eventually earning their well- deserved victory. For this outstanding effort, Knaus was awarded the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race
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Through the first 300 laps of the 334-lap race, Johnson and Knaus ran a cautious race strategy, maintaining track position and keeping the No. 48 Chevrolet within striking distance of the leaders. A caution flag on lap 300 brought the top five cars, including Johnson, through pit road for final pit stops of the race. While many of his crew chief counterparts opted for a quick two tire stop, Knaus called to change all four, giving Johnson a full set of fresh rubber. Heading back to the track after dropping to the fifth position, it did not take Johnson long to move up into a position to challenge for the lead. An ensuing battle for the lead raged between the No. 48 and No. 17, with Johnson edging ahead for the final two laps of the race to take the checkered flag. Accolades for Knaus’ race day leadership came from not only Johnson, but also team owner Rick Hendrick.
“With 30 laps to go, Chad, the great field commander, made a very gutsy call” said Hendrick. “He had us take on 4 tires when the rest of the leaders took just two. We were fifth in track position. As soon as the green flag racing started we were able to pass all the leaders because we had four fresh tires and that call won us the race. ” The win proved even more satisfying, as Johnson has now taken a 30-point lead in the championship standings.
A panel of judges, including a member of the local media, Robbie Reiser, Kenny Francis and a WYPALL* Wipers spokesmen, all agreed Knaus was the deserving winner. “It seemed the right decision to take two tires on the last stop, however, it was obvious that the fresh tires made the difference, ” said Reiser on Knaus’ pit road decision. “That was some awesome racing at the end. If it wasn’t for the four tires, I don’t know if Jimmie would have caught up. But he did. That’s the difference a decision like Chad’s can make. ”
As the WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Race, Knaus received $1,000. Mike Ford is the current leader in the overall standings with five wins. Bob Osborne and Chad Knaus are currently second with fours wins. Robbie Reiser and Steve Letarte are third with three wins each, while Tony Eury Jr., Jimmy Elledge, Larry Carter and Donnie Wingo all have two wins apiece. Pat Tryson, Tony Gibson, Mike Nelson, Darian Grubb, Alan Gustafson, Chip Bolin and Ryan Pemberton each have one win. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned WYPALL* Wipers Crew Chief of the Year.
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