Chris Kneifel
Encyclopedia
Chris Kneifel is a former driver in the CART
Championship Car series. He raced in the 1982-1984 seasons with 19 career starts, including the 1983 and 1984 Indianapolis 500
, and finished in the top ten 6 times. He holds the distinction of being the last driver to start the Indianapolis 500 with a qualifying speed under 200 mi/h. In 1984, Jacques Villeneuve
originally qualified for the final starting position at just over 200 mi/h, but was forced to withdraw after being injured in a practice crash. Kneifel, the next fastest car at just under 200 mi/h, started in his place.
Earlier in his career, Kneifel raced in the Formula Ford
and Formula Atlantic
Series. After CART, he was the 1985 Trans-Am Rookie of the Year. Later he transitioned to American Le Mans Series
endurance racing. He capped his career by teaming with Ron Fellows
, Frank Freon, and Johnny O'Connell
to win the 2001 24 Hours of Daytona
. From 2001-2004, he served as the Chief Steward (Race Director) for CART.
Champ Car
Champ Car was the name for a class and specification of open wheel cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades, primarily for use in the Indianapolis 500 auto race...
Championship Car series. He raced in the 1982-1984 seasons with 19 career starts, including the 1983 and 1984 Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis 500
The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, also known as the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Miles at Indianapolis, the Indy 500 or The 500, is an American automobile race, held annually, typically on the last weekend in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana...
, and finished in the top ten 6 times. He holds the distinction of being the last driver to start the Indianapolis 500 with a qualifying speed under 200 mi/h. In 1984, Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve (elder)
Jacques Villeneuve Sr. also known as Jacquo or Uncle Jacques is a Canadian racer. He is the younger brother of the late Gilles Villeneuve, and uncle to Jacques Villeneuve . He was born in the small town of Berthierville, Quebec, Canada. He is now frequently known as Uncle Jacques because of the...
originally qualified for the final starting position at just over 200 mi/h, but was forced to withdraw after being injured in a practice crash. Kneifel, the next fastest car at just under 200 mi/h, started in his place.
Earlier in his career, Kneifel raced in the Formula Ford
Formula Ford
Formula Ford is a single seater, open wheel class in motorsport which exists in some form in many countries around the world. It is an entry-level series to motor racing....
and Formula Atlantic
Formula Atlantic
Formula Atlantic is a specification of open wheel racing car developed in the 1970s. It was used in professional racing through the IMSA Atlantic Championship until 2009 and is currently primarily used in amateur racing through Sports Car Club of America Formula Atlantic.-History:The history of...
Series. After CART, he was the 1985 Trans-Am Rookie of the Year. Later he transitioned to American Le Mans Series
American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada. It consists of a series of endurance and sprint races, and was created in the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Teams compete in one of five classes: LMP1, LMP2 and LMPC...
endurance racing. He capped his career by teaming with Ron Fellows
Ron Fellows
Ron Fellows is an accomplished Canadian SCCA Trans-Am, IMSA, and American Le Mans Series driver, and a NASCAR Road course ringer.-Early career:...
, Frank Freon, and Johnny O'Connell
Johnny O'Connell
Johnny O'Connell , is a GM factory racecar driver from United States, currently residing in Flowery Branch, Georgia...
to win the 2001 24 Hours of Daytona
24 Hours of Daytona
The 24 Hours of Daytona, currently known as the Rolex 24 Daytona for sponsorship reasons, is a 24-hour sports car endurance race held annually at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is run on a combined road course, utilizing portions of the NASCAR tri-oval and an infield...
. From 2001-2004, he served as the Chief Steward (Race Director) for CART.