|
This week,
contracts for two of the main members of the #48 team were
extended to 2010. Driver Jimmie Johnson was given a three-year
extension to his contract, and sponsor Lowe’s extended their
sponsorship contract to match Johnson’s extension. But what
about the next major player of the team? Crew Chief Chad Knaus,
whose contract ends after the 2007 season, has not received a
matching extension offer. There has speculation that next year
will be his last year.
Knaus is
quoted as saying that he loves his team and he loves being a
part of Hendrick Motorsports. But will he be staying past next
year? Only Rick Hendrick holds the paper that could extend
Knaus’ contract. Some say that Hendrick is waiting to see if
Knaus will walk the line with the NASCAR Rules and stay out of
trouble. Jimmie Johnson has said that he has noticed a change in
Knaus after his four-race suspension. Knaus seems to be having a
softer approach to racing and has even taken time off. Chad
Knaus credits Hendrick for showing him that racing isn’t just
life and death.
But the
question still remains whether or not we are to see Knaus atop
the pit box in 2008.
Chad Knaus
ended last season amid rumors he was trying to get out of his
contract. But he and Jimmie Johnson said they opened this season
committed as ever to each other. But Knaus was then caught
cheating during Daytona 500 preparations and opened the season
serving a four-race suspension. Could this be the reason why
Hendrick is holding back on his contract extension? Is Hendrick
waiting to see what the end of this year brings for that team?
Granted,
Jimmie Johnson is currently the leader in the point standings,
so breaking up the Johnson/Knaus team could certainly be
considered a questionable move. But on the other hand, the team
seemed to feel no ill effects during Knaus’ four-race suspension
when they were forced to work with a substitute crew chief.
Johnson had an excellent start to the 2006 season. So perhaps
Hendrick saw that as a sign that Knaus isn’t as necessary to the
team’s success as previously thought.
So what is
the future of the #48 team? Only time will tell. |
