CONCORD, N.C.-- Welcome to champion’s week at Las Vegas.
To kick off the eventful week, Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus volunteered their time to visit Doral Academy - Red Rock school in Las Vegas Wednesday.
“It’s awesome,” Johnson said. “I mean, kids are the best and that is why I have been so focused on kids’ programs at the racetracks with the Jimmie Johnson Foundation and everything we do.”
Both Johnson and Knaus were overjoyed by the reaction from the school as they welcomed the championship team.
“I got goosebumps walking in there,” Knaus said. “To walk in there and get a reception from a bunch of children was spectacular. It was a very warm welcome and a lot of fun.”
Students had a chance to ask the seven-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship driver and Knaus various questions on topics that ranged from plans after winning the championship to engineering skills needed to become a successful crew chief.
“Those weren’t just basic questions about our sport,” Johnson said. “They had some real engineering basic questions and some real-life questions and how to maybe pursue being a team member and what it takes. I was very impressed.”
And Knaus was impressed as well.
“They had some amazing questions,” Knaus said. “They were definitely spot on and did a great job.”
During the appearance, Johnson and Knaus passed out a special treat of Blue Bunny ice cream for the students to enjoy.
“We (Jimmie Johnson Foundation) have a great partnership with Blue Bunny Ice Cream,” Johnson said. “Any chance we can pass out ice cream, they’re for it. This is a perfect fit for it.”
All in all, Johnson and Knaus enjoyed their experience before a full champion’s week ahead.
“I have such a great energy exchange and experience around the kids and they were going nuts. That was a lot of fun.”