It was recently revealed that Chad Knaus will change roles from crew chief to Hendrick Motorsports team executive for the next season.
Speaking to FOX Sports, Knaus revealed that even though it was a tough decision but the right one for him.
“It was a tough decision to figure out what I wanted to do, but its the right decision for everybody. I feel like, at HMS (Hendrick Motorsports) we need to continue to grow the leadership, which Jeff Andrews has done a great job. He’s got a lot on his plate, he needs to be elevated that opens up a void.”
One of the reasons for Knaus to change his role was to spend less time on the road and more with his family.
Now, as a vice president of competition at Hendrick Motorsports, Knaus will be in charge of the technical development of the entire four-car organization, including the ‘Next Gen’ car set to debut in 2022.
Knaus also disclosed that his decision came about after conversations with a number of NASCAR personnel.
“Mr. Hendrick and I have been talking about this for quite some time. I’ve talked about it with Jimmie for quite some time. Jeff Gordon and I have talked about it for probably three years, maybe four, in that area. So we’ve been talking about it for quite some time. Everything has to be right on timing, and Mr. Hendrick is a master at putting things together at the right time. We feel like now is the time.”
[Read More: Changes to playoff races at Kansas Speedway revealed]
Leadership role on the horizon for Chad Knaus at Hendrick Motorsports
Chad Knaus is set to leave his duties at the pit stop and step into the role of vice president of competition at Hendrick Motorsports.
Knaus will step into his new role having won 82 races, with Jimmie Johnson and William Byron, and seven championships with Johnson.
Knaus will be in charge of the technical development of the entire four-car organization, including the ‘Next Gen’ car set to debut in 2022.
Speaking about the role change, Knaus said:
“When I started at Hendrick Motorsports (in 1993) working for Ray Evernham, my goal was to be a crew chief. Starting at a young age, I wanted to win every race we entered and battle for every championship. Mr. (Rick) Hendrick has given me the chance to do exactly that, and I could not be more thankful to him. After all these years, my competitive desire has not changed at all, but now I have a family that deserves my attention.
This new executive role will allow me to compete in a different way with all four of our teams while spending more time with my wife and two young children. I appreciate the company supporting my decision, and I’m truly excited about the challenge ahead of me to help us grow and win. I’m also looking forward to working closely with Jeff, who I admire and have great respect for. I owe so much to Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports, and I’m ready for the next chapter.”
Knaus long-time partner Johnson congratulated him on the news.
“I just want to give a shoutout to Chad Knaus. A huge congratulations to you and the move that you’re going to make. We shared so many great expectations throughout our career in motorsports. I know what you mean to me and to my family and I’m so happy for you and your family on this next chapter in your career.”