FOX Sports Exclusive
Johnson's crew chief absent from test
Chad Knaus elected to skip the Daytona International Speedway test.
Share This Story
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.
Chad Knaus was missing in action during the first day of Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday.
Although his absence was unusual, there was a simple explanation: vacation.
Yes, the Hendrick Motorsports championship crew chief who led Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 Lowe’s team to five consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup titles has opted to find relaxation before the season officially begins again.
Steve Letarte, crew chief of the No. 88 Chevrolet, will supervise both programs during the test. The No. 48 team will report to lead engineer Greg Ives and car chief Ron Malec.
The Hendrick cars didn't appear to be suffering during Knaus' absence. Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson topped the speed chart early in the test.
“We all take vacation,” Letarte said. “I took one in December, he’s taking one now. So, it’s a long year. It’s hard to fit one in. My responsibilities are what they usually are I just take a few more trips down to the 48 to see how Ron and Greg are doing. But they’re basically running the test. I just make sure they don’t have any questions. They’re very experienced people, obviously, they’ve won a bunch of championships in that group, so I think they’re more than capable of running this test.”
More Stories From Lee Spencer
Trending Now
-
Report: UFC Octagon vixen arrested
Report: UFC Octagon vixen Arianny Celeste arrested. -
Dario Franchitti wins 2012 Indy 500
Dario Franchitti holds off late charge, wins third Indy 500. -
Report: Vick event sparks backlash
A seemingly innocuous visit from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick caused ... -
Two killed as rally car strikes crowd
A race car went out of control on a rural Irish road and crashed into a crowd of abou... -
Skydiver dies after both chutes fail
A veteran skydiver died in a horror accident in Australia over the weekend, when both...
NASCAR Videos
Highlights: Coca-Cola 600
Posted: May 28, 2012
Watch highlights of the Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte. Kasey Kahne took the check...
Watch highlights of the Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte. Kasey Kahne took the check...
NASCAR on FOX: Kahne cruises to 1st
Posted: May 28, 2012
NASCAR on FOX talks with Kasey Kahne after his victory in Charlotte.
NASCAR on FOX talks with Kasey Kahne after his victory in Charlotte.
NASCAR on FOX: Kahne stays consistent
Posted: May 28, 2012
Chris Myers and Michael Waltrip recap Kasey Kahne's win at Charlotte.
Chris Myers and Michael Waltrip recap Kasey Kahne's win at Charlotte.
NASCAR Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Gordon Black Low Rider Adjustable Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Jeff_Gordon/browse/featuredproduct/603017/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_603000/ff_603017_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | Jeff Gordon Black Low Rider Adjustable Hat |
| Joey Logano Orange Exhaust Flames Adjustable Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Joey_Logano/browse/featuredproduct/603115/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_603000/ff_603115_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | Joey Logano Orange Exhaust Flames Adjustable Hat |
| Checkered Flag Juan Pablo Montoya Red Exhaust Flames Adjustable Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Juan_Pablo_Montoya/browse/featuredproduct/603117/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_603000/ff_603117_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | Checkered Flag Juan Pablo Montoya Red Exhaust Flames Adjustable Hat |
| Dale Earnhardt Jr. Royal Blue Exhaust Flames Adjustable Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Dale_Earnhardt_Jr/browse/featuredproduct/616723/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_616000/ff_616723_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | Dale Earnhardt Jr. Royal Blue Exhaust Flames Adjustable Hat |
| Chase Authentics Jeff Burton Holiday Driver T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Jeff_Burton/browse/featuredproduct/731363/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_731000/ff_731363_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Chase Authentics Jeff Burton Holiday Driver T-Shirt - Black |
| Chase Authentics Jeff Burton 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Jeff_Burton/browse/featuredproduct/731374/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_731000/ff_731374_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Chase Authentics Jeff Burton 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black |
| Chase Authentics Kevin Harvick 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Kevin_Harvick/browse/featuredproduct/731378/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_731000/ff_731378_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Chase Authentics Kevin Harvick 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black |
| Chase Authentics Matt Kenseth 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Matt_Kenseth/browse/featuredproduct/731380/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_731000/ff_731380_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Chase Authentics Matt Kenseth 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black |
| Chase Authentics Kyle Busch 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Kyle_Busch/browse/featuredproduct/731381/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_731000/ff_731381_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Chase Authentics Kyle Busch 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black |
| Chase Authentics Denny Hamlin 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Denny_Hamlin/browse/featuredproduct/786305/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_786000/ff_786305_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Chase Authentics Denny Hamlin 2012 Driver Schedule T-Shirt - Black |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.