NASCAR
14th NASCAR Hall of Fame Class Features Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus and Donnie Allison
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The next three NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees were voted on Wednesday afternoon. Seven-time champions Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus are the two Modern Era ballot finalists, considered by many as the best driver-crew chief duo in NASCAR history. 10-time Cup Series winner Donnie Allison is the Pioneer Ballot’s representation for the 2024 Class. The Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR also goes to Janet Guthrie, who set many milestones as a female driver.
Jimmie Johnson/Chad Knaus
From the Hall of Fame’s inception in 2010, there was little doubt that both Johnson and Knaus would one day don the blue blazers. That year was the fifth-straight Cup Series title for the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet. The duo would add two more championships to their résumés, tying Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for most all-time.
Johnson and Knaus’ shared accomplishments in NASCAR’s modern era are vast and extensive. Two Daytona 500s, four Brickyard 400s, four Coca-Cola 600s, two Southern 500s and four All-Star Races are just some of team 48’s significant triumphs.
Paired up from 2002-2018, Johnson and Knaus won 81 races in their timespan together. Each of them still remain very active in NASCAR today. Knaus is now the Vice President of Competition at HMS, while Johnson co-owns Legacy Motor Club.
“I cannot imagine a more fitting moment than Jimmie (Johnson) and Chad (Knaus) being inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in the same class,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “As individuals, they’re truly unique, with different personalities, strengths and approaches to their craft. Each is a champion and generational talent in their own right. But together, they were pure magic. All of us at Hendrick Motorsports were fortunate to see greatness up close as they re-wrote the record book. On behalf of our entire organization, congratulations to two of the fiercest competitors – and best people – our sport has ever seen. We look forward to celebrating their unprecedented achievements.”
Donnie Allison
A member of the storied Alabama Gang alongside his brother Bobby, Donnie Allison left an indelible mark on NASCAR himself. Racing in Cup from 1966-1988, Allison helped the sport grow from its regional roots into the mainstream phenomenon it is today.
Donnie and Bobby Allison will forever be immortalized for their fight with Cale Yarborough after the 1979 Daytona 500. Donnie and Cale wrecked out then proceeded to throw punches at each other in the first race ever on live television. The Hueytown, Alabama native saw victories at Rockingham, Charlotte, Bristol, Daytona, Talladega and Atlanta. The first three wins for Donnie saw him beat Bobby in 1-2 finishes for the Allisons. Donnie remains a steadfast NASCAR advocate to this day. He helped mold the careers of many young talents, including reigning Cup Series Champion Joey Logano.
Janet Guthrie
An aerospace engineer-turned-racer, Janet Guthrie set the gold standard for multiple generations of female drivers. The first woman to start a NASCAR superspeedway race, Guthrie ran the 1976 World 600 at Charlotte. This came after failing to qualify for that year’s Indianapolis 500, a feat she would make three times in 1977-79.
Guthrie was the first woman to lead a lap in NASCAR, start a Daytona 500, and is still tied for the highest finish. Across 33 Cup Series races, Guthrie saw a best result of sixth at Bristol in 1977.
The Class of 2024 will be formally inducted on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Convention Center in Charlotte. Tickets for the Induction Ceremony will be available Monday, August 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. on NASCARHall.com.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Robert Laberge/Getty Images
