Michael Waltrip, Tony Stewart Highlight Next Generation of NASCAR Driver-Owners

(Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

In order for NASCAR to continue to survive and thrive, just like any good business, it is important for each generation to have a devoted number of individuals willing and able to take up the torch and resume higher leadership roles. Depending on your generation and how long you've followed the sport, we've seen many a driver-owner combination in NASCAR.

From the Junior Johnson ran teams of the 1950s and 1960s and later led teams of the 1970's and 1980's; to Petty Enterprises, which began in 1949 with three-time Grand National Champion Lee Petty; to 1992 Winston Cup Champion Alan Kulwicki and Dale Earnhardt Inc., this format has been tried before with decreasing success each time (at least in the successive instances I've highlighted).

The next generation's owner-drivers hope to offer more of the same in terms of longevity, meanwhile improving on the consistency of their elders. The future also offers some suggestions as to who might one day join them in these owners' ranks.

Fifteen years from now, who could be the next generation of former drivers turned owners?

Michael Waltrip Racing

Contrary to its contemporary product, Michael Waltrip Racing initially debuted in 2002, albeit sporadically, as part of a joint venture with Bill Davis Racing. Unable to land sponsorship deals, the single car operation had little success. It wasn't until 2006, when the team switched Toyota—a highly controversial move—that it began the organization we know it to be today.

Whether you love him or you hate him, Michael Waltrip has been around NASCAR for almost 25 years.  Despite his four career victories, the latest one coming in 2003 at a restrictor track (big surprise) in Talladega, Waltrip will always be able to consider himself as the two-time Daytona 500 champion. He'll be introduced as such for the rest of his career, and ultimately, his life—symbolizing his lasting legacy in the sport.

We've all seen his fantastic ability to serve as a product pitchman for any number of his sponsors over the years, like Ritz crackers, NAPA Auto Parts, Coke, Country Time Lemonade, Aaron's and or Domino's. That alone has been a big factor in his ability to keep finding rides long before the formation of his own team, as described above.

Here is their 2009 gem so far.

With Waltrip's acting ability, partnering with Joe Gibbs Racing, not to mention solidly improving his team with several renewed sponsorships (unlike many of his fellow drivers and their respective teams) I'm glad to know he'll be a part of NASCAR for the next generation and beyond whenever he decides to ultimately retire, which he hinted at earlier this year.

Stewart-Haas Racing

The 2009 season also saw the formation of Stewart-Haas Racing, named after co-owner and two-time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart, who was given a half stake in the former Haas-CNC racing group. With 33 wins to his credit and current Chase contender, Stewart clearly still knows how to get it done on the track, while maintaining his new niche as an owner off of it.

Like Waltrip, Stewart was quite the pitchman for his former employer Joe Gibbs Racing and primary sponsor, Home Depot. We've seen a small sample of this carry over to Old Spice, but to an understandable decrease, due to Stewart's new obligations and commitments. Nevertheless, it's good to see he'll be around long after his racing days are over.

Kevin Harvick Inc

Kevin Harvick, owner of the No. 33 Camping World Nationwide team and No. 4 truck team, has already seen his fair share of success with three truck wins, and many more by various drivers in each series.  

Due to this success since debuting in mid-2004, along with his wide array of sponsors, it's logical for Harvick to make the natural transisition to Cup owner some day soon.

Harvick may be 33 years old to Stewart's 37, but it wouldn't be that inconceivable to see Harvick form a splinter team with Richard Childress Racing, with Nationwide Series driver Cale Gale serving as the primary drivers of the two-car team. Should Gale not be that driver, Harvick would be free to either scour his Nationwide or truck team for a teammate, or take the Tony Stewart established method and sign a valuable veteran.

J.R. Motorsports

It appears Dale Jr. intends to take his father's route in serving as owner of one team while racing for another. Currently, his Nationwide team consists of himself, Brad Keselowski, and a combination of other drivers including 19-year-old Landon Cassill. With lots of sponsorships and drivers that would be sure to follow his legendary name, it seems highly unlikely this stable will stay in Nationwide status long term, especially after its owner retires to commit himself full time to the organization.

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