Do you think Jimmie Johnson's crew chief, Chad Knaus, will retain his job as crew chief since the No. 48 is doing so well without him? If he does stay, will Darian Grubb move on?

Jeff Hamond had this to say:
Jeff Hammond: That's a tough call because Darian Grubb has done an excellent job. This team has done an excellent job. Who assembled the team? Chad Knaus. When a crew chief hires a group of guys and puts them together, he's creating them in his own image. He's also building a team that complement hs strengths, but, more importantly, the team supports his weaknesses. Knaus has built a great team and said, "OK, I'm gone guys. You know what I think, and you know how I like to run a race."


On the surface, it looks that the No. 48 team is on autopilot. Grubb is doing everything the right way because he hasn't messed up anything. He hasn't tried to play outside the box. He's he's had solid setups, and he's making calculated calls on pit road. Johnson is giving excellent feedback. When Knaus comes back, he shouldn't try to be flashy or recreate the wheel as if to say, "Well, they needed me."

When Knaus returns at Bristol, they might not win or run 2nd, but they have to have a solid run to keep putting points on the board. If he comes back, the team doesn't click, and they go into a slump, you've got to wonder whether Grubb was a better fit. I would not want to be in Knaus' position right now. I would not want to wonder what everybody else in the sport is wondering. That's not being fair to him. Grubb's stock has just gone through the roof. If Rick Hendrick doesn't have a contract with him, he should make darn sure he's under some kind of contract at least for the next couple of years before the No. 48 team leaves Atlanta, Grubb's last race as substitute crew chief.

This story isn't about individuals; it's about the team. While the coach is away, the quarterback/team leader/driver has helped pull the group together. When the driver is on his game, believes in himself and knows what he wants, you can put a lot of individuals in a lot of different places, and the results are going to be solid.

I do believe Grubb could be a very effective crew chief, but this season, atleast to this point has already been planned and set up by Knaus. It will be interesting nonetheless.

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You know i like them both but Grubb has REALLY stepped up to the plate nad I believe people should get recoginition for their abilities even if just filling in, during a time of need. The guys is great, loved seeing him slightly nervous showed a human side.. and bottom line Knaus messed up and he did know better... so.. I don't want to see knaus go, but I do want to see Grubb get his fair chance

Oh yes, even if Grubb moves to a different team car he definetly deserves it. I'm sure he's worked his butt off, and put in just as much blood and sweat into this season as any other crew chief. Time will tell. He will find himself with a team as chief for sure, whether its with the #48 or not.

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