HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- For the second consecutive season, Chad Knaus, crew chief for Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet, was named the coveted 2009 WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year.

The announcement was made today at Homestead-Miami Speedway during SPEED Television's NASCAR Raceday program prior to the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season finale.

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."

About WYPALL* Wipers
WYPALL is a brand of Kimberly-Clark Professional. Since 2004, WYPALL Wipers has been affiliated with some of racing's top teams. Offering heavy-duty to versatile light-duty towels, WYPALL Wipers provides race teams with a number of products providing strength and durability. Defeating the toughest of challenges, from absorbing tough grease and oil to wiping down windshields without leaving residue behind, WYPALL Wipers continue to offer performance and versatility.

WYPALL Wipers support the men behind the machines and you can find out more about Berrier, Osborne and Hammond at http://www.wypall.com/Bios.asp.