Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus headline NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The NASCAR 2024 Hall of Fame class was announced Wednesday. The class includes legendary driver Jimmie Johnson and his crew chief, Chad Knaus, who enter the Hall of Fame in the first year that they were eligible to do so.

Together, Johnson and Knaus claimed seven NASCAR Cup Series championships. Johnson is an 83-time winner in NASCAR’s top division and one of just three drivers in history to win seven titles in his career. He went on an unprecedented run from 2006-10, winning five consecutive titles before adding his last two in 2013 and 2016.

Knaus has called 708 Cup races throughout his career with 82 wins and 371 finished inside the top 10. A majority of those wins came with Johnson as Knaus was his crew chief from 2002-18.

Knaus and Johnson are the only two inductees from the modern-era ballot, beating out nominees Neil Bonnett, Tim Brewer, Jeff Burton, Carl Edwards, Harry Gant, Harry Hyde, Larry Phillips and Ricky Rudd.

Donnie Allison was also inducted from the Pioneer ballot, which is designed to honor those whose careers began more than 60 years ago. He joins his brother, Bobby, and nephew, Davey, in the Hall of Fame following a 21-year career.

Now 83, Allison notched 10 Cup Series wins throughout his career at tracks such as Bristol, Charlotte, Daytona and Talladega. A member of the “Alabama Gang,” he delivered a memorable moment in 1979 with a fight between him, his brother and Cale Yarborough at the Daytona 500.

All three inductees are first-ballot choices, marking the first time that has happened in the history of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Johnson was selected on 93% of the ballots, and Knaus earned 81%. Allison had a much closer call, receiving 53% of the votes.

Additionally, the NASCAR Hall of Fame had five nominees for the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR. Janet Guthrie received that vote, beating out Lesa France Kennedy, Les Ritcher, Alvin Hawkins and Dr. Joseph Mattioli.

Guthrie was a pioneer in her racing days, becoming the first woman to qualify and compete in the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500 in 1979. She raced again in the Indy 500 in 1978, coming in ninth for the best finish of her career in that race. Guthrie was also the first woman to lead a lap in the Cup Series and she finished among the top 10 five times in her 33 starts.

The induction ceremony for the 2024 Hall of Fame class will take place on Jan. 19.