VermontHunter Posted February 13, 2006 Report Share Posted February 13, 2006 I found these facts on Knaus very interesting,,, when I saw these I just had to show them here and stir the pot up a little.... I'm going to post them just as they are printed on ESPN.com from the associated press.... Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? Crew chief Chad Knaus calls himself an innovator in the racing world. NASCAR hasn't exactly seen it the same way. Here is a Knaus timeline that includes penalties imposed by NASCAR: • March, 21, 2001: Suspended two races and fined $5,000 for using unapproved shoulder harnesses in a car driver by Stacy Compton. • Oct. 22, 2001: Fined $750 for using unapproved windshield clips on Compton's car. • Dec. 10, 2001: Hired by Hendrick Motorsports as crew chief for Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet. • July 11, 2002: Fined $25,000 for having improperly installed mounting bolts. The team also was docked 25 championship points and 25 owner points. • July 23, 2002: Fined $5,000 for cursing during a live television interview, NASCAR's first sanction for profanity. • May 21, 2003: Fined $1,000 for using an unapproved air-directional device during NASCAR's All-Star race. • May 26, 2003: Signed five-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports. • May 27, 2003: Fined $2,500 for using an unapproved refrigerant. • March 15, 2005: Suspended two races and fined $35,000 because Johnson's race-winning car failed to meet the minimum height requirement during post-race inspection at Las Vegas. The team also was docked 25 championship points, which knocked Johnson out of the points lead. • March 16, 2005: Appealed suspension. • March 23, 2005: National Stock Car Racing Commission overturned the suspension and placed Knaus on 90 days of probation, but upheld the fine and the points penalty. • Sept. 30, 2005: NASCAR changes a rule regarding shock absorbers after Knaus exploited a loophole that caused Johnson's car to fail post-race inspection at Dover International Speedway. • Feb. 12, 2006: Johnson's qualifying time for the Daytona 500 was disqualified after the car failed a post-qualifying inspection. • Feb. 13, 2006: Suspended from the Daytona 500 for raising the rear window on Johnson's car to alter the aerodynamics during the team's qualifying run. -- The Associated Press And here's the end result of his so called innovation at Daytona... DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Jimmie Johnson's crew chief was thrown out of the Daytona 500 on Monday for illegal modifications made to Johnson's car during pole qualifying. NASCAR said Knaus cannot appeal the ejection. NASCAR also said the Hendrick Motorsports team (#48) is subject to additional penalties, which would be announced after Sunday's Daytona 500. These facts and statements were copied and pasted from.... http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?seriesId=2&id=2329510 If you are going to comment on this subject..... PLEASE be respectful and civil ..... we here aren't a part of NASCAR... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deerslayer06 Posted February 13, 2006 Report Share Posted February 13, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? yea....hes definetly a CHEATER! hes tried to cross lines plenty of times in the past. what a joke. GO 17! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tedicast Posted February 13, 2006 Report Share Posted February 13, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? Have to say a little of both. When you do something that is blatantly against the known rules, well then I call that cheating. When you do something that falls into a gray area, or when you push an interpretation of the rule, well I guess you are being an innovator. Thats the way I see it anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? Cheater. I'm still ticked about them getting a small slap on the wrist for Vegas last year. Dale Jr's penalty was $15,000 less for "cursing"...and that had nothing to do with what happened on the track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? Cheater, if you cannot beat the competition within the rulebook and go into what they call the gray areas, your a cheater. Once a cheater, always a cheater. Glad to see him sitting out of the 500!! He deserves every bit of it, you Cheater Knaus!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTF Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? Yeah but he and the team has made way more $$$ then those fines applied over the years. I say he be banned from nascar ! Ban em all ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MUDRUNNER Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? Yea,he cheated,but the bottom line is that at some point THEY ALL DO IT.I wonder how many times something illegal is not caught and that person wins the race.Knaus just seems to get caught more then the rest of them.The crew chiefs push the envelope at every race,that's they're job.If they inspected cars at every race as good as they do at the 500 I don't doubt that 1/3 of the teams would have something illegal on they're cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VABuckSlayer Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? He should get the same 4 race suspension that Harvicks crew chief got last year. I would say he's an innovator in the shock deal at Dover. That was clever and not totally against the rules at the time. The rest is just cheating. He does have a pretty bad history of doing things so they should inspect the heck out of JJ's cars. Knaus needs to be made an example of and be set down for about 6-8 races if you ask me. Make him think twice about fooling with the rules again! Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrud Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] Yea,he cheated,but the bottom line is that at some point THEY ALL DO IT. [/ QUOTE ] It's only cheating if you get caught. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyman Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Yea,he cheated,but the bottom line is that at some point THEY ALL DO IT. [/ QUOTE ] It's only cheating if you get caught. [/ QUOTE ] My sentiments exactly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowhntr Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? CHEATER 100%. I think NASCAR should park the 48 for the 500 PERIOD. Not just suspend Knaus let "ol Rickey loose some owner points ans Lowes loose some TV time that they are paying big bucks for the spot on that hood for. I just wish that NASCAR was this tough back in the late 90's. I'd be willing to bet that the 24 wouldn't have as many wins and as many championships as he does now. Remember, they are owned by the same guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted February 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] I'd be willing to bet that the 24 wouldn't have as many wins and as many championships as he does now. Remember, they are owned by the same guy. [/ QUOTE ] If this is the case just how many would Earnhardt and Petty have won with that kind of thinking... Jeff earned his Championships, as did Earnhardt Sr. and Petty...enough said there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowhntr Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] If this is the case just how many would Earnhardt and Petty have won with that kind of thinking... Jeff earned his Championships, as did Earnhardt Sr. and Petty...enough said there... [/ QUOTE ] Hmmmm.....Lets see...... Gordon active since 1992 with 4 Championships and 73 wins Earnhardt had 676 career starts since 1975 with 7 championships and 76 wins. Petty active since before fire with 7 championships and 200 wins. 200 wins from an era of 80 races a year at every short track in the south and some dirt. I think the numbers speak for themselves. I'm not knocking Gordon, he is a great driver. It's just with his level of success that suddenly something is deffinately fishy. Also, where did wonder boy go when NASCAR started cracking on the inspections?....to the back! His level of success has drastically dropped since the inspection crew has stepped it up a notch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted February 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? As for Gordon sliding back since the crack down on inspections,, This isn't the case at all, When JJ came into the picture all of Gordons proven cars were given to JJ, and Gordon started out with all newly built cars..... And as for Earnhardt's and Petty's total wins VS. Gordons,, don't you think it may have something to do with the changing style of racing,,, The nascar of old was a whole different type of racing than when Gordon came into the series.... That's why I don't ever see anyone breaking that 7 Championship record.... The cars are just too evenly matched.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dg Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? They all "press-to-test" and try to get away with something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James7xChamp3 Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] That's why I don't ever see anyone breaking that 7 Championship record.... The cars are just too evenly matched.. [/ QUOTE ] Definitely disagree there Josh. Think about it. The 7 championships will be easier to attain with the new format. Heck, you only need to break the top 10 with 10 races to go and you have a shot at a championship. The old way you had to be on top the whole season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest deldeer Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] As for Gordon sliding back since the crack down on inspections,, This isn't the case at all, When JJ came into the picture all of Gordons proven cars were given to JJ, and Gordon started out with all newly built cars..... And as for Earnhardt's and Petty's total wins VS. Gordons,, don't you think it may have something to do with the changing style of racing,,, The nascar of old was a whole different type of racing than when Gordon came into the series.... That's why I don't ever see anyone breaking that 7 Championship record.... The cars are just too evenly matched.. [/ QUOTE ] ... you've done such a good job at defending gordon that i don't need to chime in!!!... i do however see gordon breaking the 7x champ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted February 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? LOL...James7xChamp3 ,, I'm Luke the other Vermonter.... ,, but it's all good... You really think it's easier for ONE race team, to beat out so many others, with the same access to technology and money today than there was say 10-15 years ago ?? Hhmm maybe,,, guess we'll just have to wait and see, but so far no-one has put back to back Championships up on the board... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texastrophies Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] That's why I don't ever see anyone breaking that 7 Championship record.... The cars are just too evenly matched.. [/ QUOTE ] My thoughts on this is that it won't be tied or broken not only because of the level of competition, but mainly because the length of the careers will become shorter. You won't be have drivers over 40 year old before long. They don't need to risk it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VtBowhunter Posted February 14, 2006 Report Share Posted February 14, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? Geez, do I feel insulted. Gordon earned everything he has, and last year was the first year he dropped out of sight, and it was due to car problems and getting wrecked, not his driving ability. The Chase for the cup has only been in for 2 seasons and the first year for it would have been Gordons 5th title under the old points system, so let's not say he's done due to one bad season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James7xChamp3 Posted February 15, 2006 Report Share Posted February 15, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? lol.....sorry for the confusion guys! Either way, it doesn't really matter. Championships are won differently now so you can't compare to the previous ones. It's a brand new era now. You really can't say Gordon would've had another title. All teams would've raced differently under the old rules. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted February 15, 2006 Report Share Posted February 15, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] CHEATER 100%. I think NASCAR should park the 48 for the 500 PERIOD. Not just suspend Knaus let "ol Rickey loose some owner points ans Lowes loose some TV time that they are paying big bucks for the spot on that hood for. I just wish that NASCAR was this tough back in the late 90's. I'd be willing to bet that the 24 wouldn't have as many wins and as many championships as he does now. Remember, they are owned by the same guy. [/ QUOTE ] I agree, if you send the whole team home and they lose points and their sponsor loses a TV race and the millions of viewers who might become future customers, I think you would see cheating come to an end. Send the packing, that would set the standard and make teams think twice!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyman Posted February 15, 2006 Report Share Posted February 15, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? [ QUOTE ] I just wish that NASCAR was this tough back in the late 90's. I'd be willing to bet that the 24 wouldn't have as many wins and as many championships as he does now. Remember, they are owned by the same guy. [/ QUOTE ] Funny how this topic quickly became about Jeff Gordon. I can only assume that you think no one else was "cheating" back then. At minimum you have to give Ricky Hendrick credit for being MUCH smarter than anyone else in the garage if this was true. If you could cheat your way to this much success, we would all be 4 time champions! I don't recall this much hullaballoo in here when the 29 car was "cheating" just as blatantly with their fuel tank last year. EVERY CREW CHIEF in the Nascar garage pushes the envelope. Any fan who thinks "their guy" isn't trying to get an edge any way he can is only fooling themselves. Granted, the Chad Knaus's of the world push more than others, but Knaus is generally regarded in the garage as one of the best at pushing the envelope. Remember, he learned at the knee of Ray Evernham. Is it cheating? Sometimes. Is it ever going to stop? Not likely! Innovate or go to the back! Nascar is constantly changing the rules because of all the "Gray area" envelope pushing going on. Shoot, this sport evolved out of Bootlegging Moonshine. It has always been about living on the edge, why change now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowhntr Posted February 15, 2006 Report Share Posted February 15, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? You're right...there wasn't as much hullabaloo about the 29 but they did suspend the crew chief just like Knaus. The biggest difference in level of attention is because of the team invloved I think. Don't forget, there were questions regarding Burton's qualifying engine and they tore that thing apart with a fine toothed comb. It eventually passed but it drew much more attention I think because of last years 29 fiascos and the fact that they are both Childress cars. Remember they got the 48 AND the 5 last year at Dover and they are both Hendrick cars.....all I'm saying is it isn't one team within the organization it's the whole bunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slugshooter Posted February 15, 2006 Report Share Posted February 15, 2006 Re: Knaus: Cheater or Innovator? Here's the thing, not everything on that list can be construed as cheating and would give the driver/car an advantage over other teams. Case in point : Unapproved shoulder harnesses- No advantage Unapproved Windshield Clips- No Advantage Unapproved Refrigerant- Possibly, if it keeps the car cooler, but unapproved doesn't necessarily mean illegal. Fine for cursing- What bearing does that have on cheating, if that were the case, Juniors a cheater also. The shocks at Dover were not illegal until Chad Knaus AND OTHER TEAMS used them during the race. It wasn't just a Hendrick car using them, there were others as well. I can't remember the Vegas thing, is that where they said the bolts worked their way out the car. Can't remember. As far as this latest incident. I don't agree with what he did and the fact that he put the part in the car AFTER the car passes pre-qual inspection says to me that he knew what he was doing was wrong. If you want to try something out, put it in the car and let NASCAR give a yea or nay on not, that's be alot easier than getting your team punished for your stupidity. As for whether or not Knaus cheats more than other crew chiefs, let me just say this. Chad Knaus is just really bad at getting caught. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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