#48 Nextel Cup Series crew chief Chad Knaus has signed a contract extension that will keep him with Hendrick Motorsports through the 2010 racing season, mirroring the organization’s recent agreements with driver Jimmie Johnson and team sponsor Lowe’s. Financial terms were not disclosed. “Chad is one of the great young minds in NASCAR and a key member of our organization,” said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick. “He’s done an unbelievable job building the Lowe’s team into a championship contender and we’re excited about continuing our relationship with him.” In December 2001, Knaus was named crew chief of Hendrick’s #48 Lowe’s Chevys driven by Johnson, then a Cup-level rookie. The team earned the pole position for its first race, the 2002 Daytona 500, and has since posted 60 top-five finishes, 102 top-10s and a series-leading 21 victories in only 167 starts. Johnson has raced each of his four full seasons with Knaus as crew chief, never finishing outside the top five in championship points. The team is currently first in the 2006 standings with three wins, seven top-five performances and 16 top-10s, best among all Nextel Cup competitors. Knaus’ contract was set to expire following the 2007 NASCAR season.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(8-5-2006)
