Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, and Donnie Allison are among the inductees for the 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame class. Johnson and Knaus, known as the best driver-crew chief duo in NASCAR history, were voted in as the two Modern Era ballot finalists. Meanwhile, Donnie Allison was chosen as the representative for the Pioneer Ballot, and Janet Guthrie will receive the Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR.
Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus have been inseparable since the inception of the Hall of Fame in 2010. Their partnership has yielded immense success, winning seven championships together and tying the record set by Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most titles in history. They have secured numerous victories, including two Daytona 500s, four Brickyard 400s, and four Coca-Cola 600s, solidifying their place among the greats in NASCAR.
Donnie Allison, a member of the iconic Alabama Gang alongside his brother Bobby, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Racing in the Cup Series from 1966 to 1988, Allison played a crucial role in NASCAR’s growth from a regional pastime to a national phenomenon. He has triumphed at prestigious tracks such as Rockingham, Charlotte, Bristol, Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta. Allison is also known for his infamous fight with Cale Yarborough after the 1979 Daytona 500, a moment etched in NASCAR history.
Janet Guthrie, an aerospace engineer-turned-racer, paved the way for future generations of female drivers. She became the first woman to start a NASCAR superspeedway race at the 1976 World 600 in Charlotte. Guthrie’s groundbreaking achievements include leading a lap in NASCAR, starting a Daytona 500, and earning a sixth-place finish at Bristol in 1977.
The induction ceremony for the Class of 2024 will take place on January 19, 2024, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Convention Center in Charlotte. Tickets for the event will be available starting August 7, 2023, on the NASCARHall.com website.
The inclusion of Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, Donnie Allison, and Janet Guthrie in the NASCAR Hall of Fame highlights their significant contributions to the sport. These individuals have left an indelible mark on NASCAR history, solidifying their status as iconic figures in the world of auto racing.