Hendrick Responds to Knaus Fine

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 23, 2002) -- Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), today responded to remarks made by Chad Knaus, crew chief of the No. 48 Chevrolet, following Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR Winston Cup Series win at Dover (Del.) International Speedway on Sunday. Knaus has been fined $5,000 by NASCAR for using inappropriate language in a post-race television interview during the team’s Victory Lane celebration. “It’s unacceptable for any employee to use language like that while representing Hendrick Motorsports, our sponsors and our fans,” said Hendrick. “We don’t condone it in any setting and certainly not in a public place like Victory Lane. “Sometimes our emotions get the best of us, but there are better ways to express them. Chad understands that he’s made a mistake and after sitting down with him, it’s obvious that he’s willing to take responsibility.” Knaus echoed those statements. “I couldn’t be more embarrassed about the way I handled myself in Dover,” said Knaus. “What I said was extremely offensive and I want to apologize to our fans, Lowe’s and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization. It reflects poorly on everyone associated with this team and I know better.”