The situation of Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus being chosen to the NASCAR Corridor of Fame collectively was largely mentioned between the 2 again once they have been nonetheless competing. And like most deep and significant conversations between pals, it was executed after darkish.

“Aside from late-night after-dinner drink conversations, we haven’t had any conversations because it was introduced on the poll,” Knaus stated. “However throughout our years, we positively talked about eager to get into the Corridor of Fame, eager to proceed to do what’s subsequent.”

On Wednesday afternoon, the situation performed out as anticipated for a lot of throughout the NASCAR trade. Johnson and Knaus, of their first yr on the poll, have been known as to the NASCAR Corridor of Fame Class of 2024.

“It simply hit after we have been sitting within the again room a second in the past after we had completed the race in Le Mans, we had sort of stood again and stated, what’s subsequent?” Knaus stated. “Absolutely didn’t suppose the Corridor of Fame can be the following factor on the docket for us, however hopefully, that is simply the following step in lots of, many experiences for the each of us.”

NASCAR introduced the nominees final month. Johnson and Knaus have been the headliners.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans additionally happened final month. Johnson was a part of an All-Star driver rotation with Jenson Button and Mike Rockenfeller that accomplished the race in a modified Subsequent Gen automobile within the Storage 56 class. Knaus was additionally on this system fielded by NASCAR and Hendrick Motorsports.

“I can’t bear in mind how the timelines have unfolded as a result of a lot has occurred in our lives the final couple of months, however I really feel like round Le Mans is when at the least I noticed the chance that was in entrance of us and sort of joked about it,” Johnson stated. “However we didn’t put a ton into it. However I’d say within the final week or so, it’s actually been prime of thoughts and I’ve been making an attempt to guarantee him that he can be a primary poll and we might go in collectively, and he’s like, ‘Man, you’re loopy.’

“Then we joked about being right here after which everyone studying the ballots and it not understanding, and the way that wouldn’t be enjoyable to expertise, so I’m glad that it’s all performed out and it’s so becoming for us to be each being going collectively.”

Johnson and Knaus have been, by far, the standouts on the Fashionable Period poll. Johnson is one in all three drivers to have received seven Cup Sequence championships, however he was the primary driver to win 5 consecutive. His 83 profession victories are tied for sixth on the all-time wins record.

Knaus was the primary crew chief to perform the feat of 5 consecutive championships. He stands behind solely Dale Inman (eight) in total championship titles.

Paired collectively for 17 years, Johnson and Knaus earned 81 victories. Amongst these have been triumphs within the sport’s largest races: the Daytona 500, 4 Coca-Cola 600s, 4 Brickyard 400 and two Southern 500s.

“I’m extraordinarily honored to be inducted into the NASCAR Corridor of Fame and to have this chance with Chad,” Johnson stated. “We completed the (81) wins, the seven championships and all that collectively, so to go in (collectively) is so becoming and really particular and distinctive.

“Once I knew my title was occurring the poll and came upon Chad’s title was as nicely, this has been behind my thoughts, actually hoping this chance would come about. I do know I’m very, very pleased with what we completed, and the truth that we get to get pleasure from this second, relive all these reminiscences, and go into the Corridor collectively makes this all of the extra particular.”