You can expect to see Chad Knaus and Jimmie Johnson on pit road for many seasons to come. Credit: Autostock

Hendrick signs Knaus through 2010 season

Crew chief's contract was set to expire at end of '07

INDIANAPOLIS -- NASCAR 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, it was announced Saturday.

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 late 2001, Knaus was named crew chief of Hendrick's No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolets 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.

"I'm proud to have been with Jimmie and the Lowe's team since the beginning," said Knaus, who is celebrating his 35th birthday Saturday. "I think we've proven ourselves, but there's still much more to accomplish and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"I've spent the better part of a decade at Hendrick Motorsports and consider it my extended family. It's an incredible group of people who are all passionate about what we do and the company we work for.

"Everyone knows about Rick Hendrick the car owner, but he's also a true friend and I'm honored to continue the relationship we've built, both personally and professionally."

Knaus' contract was set to expire following the 2007 NASCAR season.