Crew chief change for Jimmie Johnson after Pocono 15th place finish By Jerry Jordan, Editor
After making major news in the off-season by moving crew chief Chad Knaus over to work with William Byron and putting Kevin Meendering on the No. 48 Chevrolet driven by seven-time NASCAR champion, Jimmie Johnson, Hendrick Motorsports is making new again by going with Cliff Daniels to call the shots atop the pit box.
“We have great confidence in Cliff’s ability to win races with Jimmie and the team,” said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick. “He’s a natural leader and tremendously talented from both a technical and communication standpoint. Cliff’s familiarity with Jimmie and the No. 48 team culture will benefit us a ton. He will bring the spark that’s been our missing ingredient.”
According to an HMS press release announcing the change, Daniels has been the team’s race engineer and was there when Johnson won his seventh title in 2016. He was moved to the competition group after 2018 but was put back in place as engineer heading into the event at Sonoma Raceway in June.
“Cliff has really shined since he came back to the ‘48,’” Jimmie Johnson said. “When he returned, there was an immediate change in the team dynamic that all of us felt. We’ve worked together for a long time, have a ton of mutual respect and a shared vision. I have no doubt the strong connection and working relationship is going to pay dividends right away.
“I’m so grateful to Kevin. He’s a truly awesome person who I think very, very highly of. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him in his new role. He’s a brilliant guy and will make all of us better.”
So far, this season has been lackluster, at best, for Johnson, who currently sits 12 points outside the cutoff position for the NASCAR Playoffs. Without a win, he will need to be in the Top 16 if he and the team have a chance to go for an eighth championship.
“We have an opportunity to win an eighth championship and a lot more races with Jimmie,” Daniels said. “I’m proud to be in this position and have total faith in the team and our ability to perform at the level everyone expects. We have the best driver, the best organization and the best leadership, so everything we need to be successful is in place. It’s always been my goal to become a crew chief, and I’m thankful to Mr. Hendrick for his confidence.”
As for Meendering, he will move into another competition role within the company.
“Kevin is a talent,” Hendrick said. “We have areas where he can make a major impact and help all four of our teams be successful. Everyone thinks the world of him, and we plan to keep him as a key member of our organization for as long as he wants to be here.”
Read More: Crew Chief Changes Paying Off for Hendrick in Daytona