No. 48 wrench Ron Malec honored by Mechanix Wear

Ron Malec has been the car chief for Jimmie Johnson as long as the seven-time champion has been in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Along with crew chief Chad Knaus, they comprise the triple-threat tandem that has claimed seven championships for Hendrick Motorsports. For his work and results with the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 team -- most of it coming behind the scenes -- Malec was honored Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway with the Brian Lunniss Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Mechanix Wear. The Mechanix Wear-sponsored award is dedicated to the hardest working hands in racing who possess exceptional drive and inspire the team to win. The Lunniss Award is reserved for mechanics in motorsports who demonstrate remarkable achievements during their career. Malec was chosen as this year’s recipient in recognition of his outstanding achievements as a car chief in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Malec is the second individual to be recognized. "He is a guy that wants to go out there and work and he doesn't pull punches and he doesn't hold grudges," Knaus said. "If you're in a situation where you need to give somebody the ball, he's the guy you're giving it to."