Knaus banned for three more races

Knaus was ejected from the opening round of the 2006 season at Daytona for making illegal modifications to the rear window of Johnson's car, which changed its aerodynamics. The illegal part was discovered during inspection while Johnson was taking part in qualifying.

This is not the first time Knaus is punished for what organisers said was "blatant cheating." The veteran Hendrick Motorsports engineer was suspended for two races last year when Johnson's car failed inspection in Las Vegas. He has also been fined several times before.

NASCAR said Knaus would be allowed back for the March 26th race at Bristol but he would remain under probation for the rest of the season. His position as Johnson's crew chief is being held by Darian Grubb until his Bristol return.

Knaus himself was unapologetic after hearing the news.

"I think if we ran 25th every week we wouldn't be getting this attention," he told reporters. "There's a lot of things out there that can be called intentional cheating. The fact of the matter is, when NASCAR went back it didn't fit the templates. How that happens is pretty irrelevant."

Johnson went on to win the Daytona race without his crew chief, in a car that passed intensive scrutiny after the race. And Knaus was adamant Johnson himself was unaware of any alterations made to the car.

"Drivers don't ever know what's going on in these cars," he said. "Jimmie isn't really into knowing what is going on with the race cars. He shows up and drives and gives his feedback and goes home."

Johnson himself said today: "There's no doubt that Chad has been aggressive and walks a fine line. He stepped over the line and he's living with the consequences right now.

"Maybe Chad's been walking too close to the line, and if you're walking a tight rope you're going to step off at some point, and this is what's happened.

"We'll just have to take it as it comes. He's brought a lot of success to this team and a lot of innovation to Hendrick Motorsports. We just need to walk on the right side of the line from here on out."

But Johnson added that despite his unrepentent public demeanour, Knaus was very much touched by the affair.

"The fact is that it's so hard on him," Johnson said. "It's obvious where his heart is and how much he cares for this race team.

"Every time I talk to him, he says, 'Dude I'm so sorry.' Every time he answers the phone that's what he says."