Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knuas and Donnie Allison were inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday night in Charlotte, NC.
Johnson and Knaus, who both won a record-tying seven Cup championships went into the Hall of Fame together marking their spot in NASCAR history.
Donnie Allison, who was an original member of the Alabama gang went into the Hall of Fame on Friday night. Allison, who won 10 career Cup series victories was voted in on the pioneer ballot. Donnie joins his brother Bobby Allison and Red Farmer, who were both founding members of the “Alabama Gang” into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
When asked what the induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame means to him, Donnie said, “The closest thing was the feeling when I married my lovely wife Pat.”
Jimmie Johnson, who won 83 career Cup series victories (tied for sixth most all-time) and seven Cup series championships was inducted by his wife and kids on Friday night.
Throughout his career in NASCAR, Johnson won two Daytona 500’s along with nine wins at Martinsville, eleven wins at Dover, four wins at the brickyard and eight wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Johnson had high praise for his team owner and former teammate after receiving his hall of fame ring.
“I’m forever grateful to Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick,” Johnson said after receiving his ring on stage. “You guys selected me for the No. 48 car and I’m still not sure why.”
“I’m so glad that we’re able to go in on the same ballot,” Johnson said to Knaus.
The No.48 team led by Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus embarked on an incredible run from 2006 to 2010. Johnson claimed a record five straight Cup championships.
The pairing of Knaus and Johnson was in jeopardy almost before the streak of five straight championships began. Following the end of the 2005 season, Knaus and Johnson didn’t see eye-to-eye with each other so that led team owner Rick Hendrick to call them both in for a meeting.
Hendrick served Johnson and Knaus milk and cookies on a Mickey Mouse plate.
“If you’re going to act like children, I’m going to treat you like children,” Hendrick’s message to Knaus and Johnson.
Hendrick made his point and for the next five years the pair would be unstoppable.
The five straight championships between Knaus and Johnson surpassed Cale Yarborough’s previous mark of three straight championships (1976-1978). The only active full-time Cup drivers with more than one championship are Kyle Busch and Joey Logano.
Johnson and Knaus added two more championships to their resume in 2013 and 2016, tying Richard Petty’s and Dale Earnhardt’s record of seven Cup championships.
Johnson is currently tied with Cale Yarborough with 83 wins and sits sixth on the all-times win list. Johnson still has a chance to hit 84 wins as he will compete in select races this season for Legacy Motor Club, the team that he co-owns. Johnson will race the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18.
After Knaus and Johnson’s pairing ended following the 2018 season, Knaus served as the crew chief for William Byron’s first Cup series victory at the 2020 summer race in Daytona. Following the 2020 season, Knaus took on as vice president of competition at Hendrick Motorsports.
Knaus’ seven championships as a crew chief are second to NASCAR Hall of Fame Dale Inman’s eight championships. Knuas ranks third all-time with 82 Cup wins as a crew chief.
About Me: Hi, my name is Matthew I'm 17 from Charlotte, NC. Racing has been something that has interested me my whole life. As a kid my dad would always take me to each of the Charlotte races and the adrenaline you get watching NASCAR's best drivers go around is one like no other. My goal as a writer is to give you the best information possible.
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