Myatt Snider has made a name for himself in the world of NASCAR, and he’s been in the spotlight recently for his surprise debut with Hendrick Motorsports at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Snider was called up to replace Alex Bowman mid-race after the latter fell ill, and it was an opportunity that came out of nowhere. But as Snider recalls, it was a conversation with legendary crew chief Chad Knaus that led to this lucky break.
Snider’s journey to the NASCAR Cup Series has been a long and challenging one. The 26-year-old has been racing since he was just five years old, and he’s worked his way up the ranks of various racing series. He made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 2016 and has been competing in the series ever since. But the opportunity to race in the Cup Series with one of the most successful teams in NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports, was a dream come true for Snider.
The call to race for Hendrick Motorsports at COTA came as a complete surprise for Snider. He was originally scheduled to race for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series that weekend, but as fate would have it, he ended up making his Cup Series debut instead. In an interview with EssentiallySports, Snider revealed that it was a conversation with Chad Knaus that ultimately led to this remarkable opportunity.
Snider and Knaus had been chatting on pit road during a practice session at Darlington Raceway earlier this year. Knaus, who is now the vice president of competition at Hendrick Motorsports, was impressed by Snider’s performance and told him that he would keep an eye on him. Little did Snider know that this casual conversation would lead to his Cup Series debut just a few months later.
“I was just walking down pit road, and Chad Knaus was like, ‘Hey man, I’ve been watching you. I’ve been impressed with what you’re doing. Keep up the good work, and we’ll see where it goes.’ And I was like, ‘Wow, that’s really cool. I appreciate that.’ And then next thing you know, I get the call for COTA,” Snider shared.
Snider’s debut at COTA was nothing short of impressive. He started the race in 29th position and quickly made his way through the field, showcasing his skills and talent behind the wheel. Unfortunately, his race was cut short due to a mechanical issue, but Snider had already made a lasting impression.
For Snider, racing for Hendrick Motorsports was a surreal experience. He got to work with some of the best in the business, including Knaus, who is a seven-time Cup Series champion as a crew chief. Snider was grateful for the opportunity and made the most of it, impressing everyone with his performance on track.
“It was an incredible experience. Just working with a team like Hendrick Motorsports, with such a high caliber of people, and having Chad Knaus as my crew chief, it was just an incredible experience. I’m super grateful for it,” Snider said.
Although Snider’s debut at COTA didn’t end the way he had hoped, he remains optimistic and motivated for his future in the Cup Series. He knows that this opportunity with Hendrick Motorsports is just the beginning, and he’s determined to keep working hard and proving himself on the track.
Snider’s journey to the Cup Series may have been a long and challenging one, but his determination and hard work have finally paid off. And as he continues to make a name for himself in one of the most competitive racing series in the world, one thing is for sure – Snider’s lucky day at COTA will always be a memorable moment in his racing career.
