NASCAR Daily News Headlines * November 23, 2009

Overnight TV Ratings Down

Logano Rookie of the Year

"That was one of our big goals this year," said a smiling Logano. "It’s pretty neat to win Raybestos Rookie of the Year. I appreciate that.”

Logano is the youngest driver to win Raybestos Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The year-end payout for 2009 Raybestos Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is $75,000, the same amount Darrell Waltrip earned from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for his 1982 Cup Series championship. Logano will earn a grand total of $114,500 from Raybestos brand Brakes for his efforts in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season.

“It was tough at times believe me," Logano continued. "You know the media wasn’t saying the greatest things but if anything it’s more motivating. You really want to keep pushing it and become a better race car driver. I was getting a little self confidence out of Nationwide car which was helping me there and just kept pushing it and trying to learn these race cars as much as I can.

"By no means I’m not there yet but I feel like we made big steps. The second part is figure out how you want them to drive, what part of the corner you want to work on, you know, what do you need to make these things go fast. Hopefully through the off-season here we can test a little bit and get some more seat time in these things and come better next year.”

Knaus Wins Second-Consecutive Crew Chief of the Year Award

After capturing his fifth WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race in 2009 during last weekend's race at Phoenix, Knaus moved out of a tie with Darian Grubb, crew chief for the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet and driver Tony Stewart. Grubb finished the season with four WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race awards.

Presenting the 2009 WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year trophy to Knaus was WYPALL Wipers Category Manager Tom Merrill and SPEED/FOX television analyst Jeff Hammond, who also serves as a spokesperson for WYPALL Wipers. In addition to the limited edition trophy, Knaus received a check for $20,000.00.

The 2009 WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief Challenge has been a season-long contest that has strived each week to determine the best crew chiefs in the NASCAR Sprint Cup garage. Following each Cup race, a panel, which includes Hammond, along with current crew chiefs Todd Berrier (No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet with driver Jeff Burton) and Bob Osborne (No. 99 Aflac Ford and driver Carl Edwards) have voted to determine which Crew Chief demonstrated the most outstanding strategy and leadership during the event. It isn't necessarily the crew chief that goes to victory lane, but the crew chief that made the biggest difference to his team.

Knaus proved again this season he deserved the title, displaying tremendous leadership and decision-making ability. He and his driver need to finish 25th or better Sunday to make history by capturing his fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. No one has ever accomplished the feat.

"This is a team sport and everyone on the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet deserves to have their name on this trophy," said Knaus. "I can't thank WYPALL enough for this program that honors the crew chiefs - and the team members in my mind. I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish with this team."

"Even though they started out slow in 2009, they used the first 26 races to put together a battle plan to put themselves in a position to win their fourth consecutive championship," said Hammond. "Chad knows of the importance of the team behind him, but he has demonstrated to be one of the greatest crew chiefs in the history of the sport. My congratulations go to him and his entire crew for another outstanding year. Once again, he truly is a deserving WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year."

This marks the first time that a crew chief has been the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year more than once. Joining Knaus in this elite club are: Tony Eury, Sr. (Dale Earnhardt, Jr.), Robbie Reiser (Matt Kenseth), Doug Richert (Greg Biffle) and Mike Ford (Denny Hamlin).

"The WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief Challenge spotlights the crew chief's efforts to get his team in Victory Lane," said Merrill. "No one showed that more than Chad in 2009. WYPALL Wipers and crew chiefs are a natural fit. Crew chiefs only want to use reliable products on their cars and engines. That's why they choose WYPALL Wipers. Our products are used to wipe up the toughest, most stubborn messes, and we want to focus on the men who put WYPALL Wipers to use each week. That's why we continue to show our appreciation to the crew chiefs."

Race and Commercial Breakdown for the 2009 Ford 400