Jimmie Johnson is one of the best NASCAR drivers in history and his achievements will officially be celebrated in 2024. On August 2, Johnson was announced as one of the members of the 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame class, alongside long-time crew chief Chad Knaus on the Modern Ballot.
The seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion received 93% of the votes cast while Knaus came in at 81% overall. Surprisingly, Johnson was not a unanimous selection. The two NASCAR legends spent 17 years together on the No. 48 team where they won seven championships and 81 races overall.
Jimmie Johnson’s career stats (Cup Series): 83 wins, 232 top-5 finishes, 374 top-10 finishes
Johnson joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2001 and won a record-setting five straight championships between 2006-2010. The former driver of the No. 48 car cemented his Hall of Fame status during this legendary run and still went on to win two more titles in 2013 and 2016. It is a major accomplishment for Johnson to go into the Hall of Fame with Knaus.
“I am so honored to be inducted into the (NASCAR Hall of Fame),” said Johnson. “To go in with (Chad Knaus) is so fitting…the fact that we get to enjoy this moment makes it more special.”
For Knaus, it may not be an honor that he was expecting in his first year on the ballot but it is very fitting, as Johnson said, to see the legendary duo go into the 2024 class together. Knaus directly thanked Johnson and said he “would not be here” without his former NASCAR driver.
Donnie Allison is the legend selected on the Pioneer Ballot. Allison is a part of the “Alabama Gang” and won 10 races throughout his 21-year NASCAR career. Allison also won the 1967 Rookie of the Year award and most notably was a part of the 1979 Daytona 500 after crashing with Cale Yarborough. Allison gained 53% of the votes.
Finally, Janet Guthrie is the recipient of the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Guthrie was the first female to compete in a Cup Series superspeedway race. She was also the first female driver to ever qualify for both the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Charlotte Convention Center.
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