It is widely rumored that in 2009, two time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart will leave the NASCAR powerhouse Joe Gibbs Racing for one of the cars of Haas Racing.
Huh?
If one looks at the facts, leaving JGR makes little sense. Tony has earned two championships, 32 wins, and enjoys one of the most stable, consistent driver/crew chief relationships in NASCAR history. Stewart has been with Gibbs since his rookie season in 1999. Does Tony have no loyalty? Is he unhappy? Is HE CRAZY?
No.
It all started last season when the rumors began that Joe Gibbs Racing would move from Chevrolet to Toyota. Stewart, a long time Chevrolet man, was quiet about the move—too quiet. So as 2008 moved along, the rumors surfaced that Tony Stewart was looking. But what was he looking for?
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For all that Tony Stewart is, he is a competitor. If you read the headlines closely, you will find out that he is not just going to drive for Haas, he is becoming part owner.
Stewart Haas Racing will be the Tony Stewart we come to remember. As he finishes his career here—successfully I might add—he will take on the challenge of becoming one of the elite owners in NASCAR. His teams will grow to battle the Hendricks and Roush teams on into the middle of the 21st century.
Along with a much wanted reunion with Chevrolet, this move is more about the Tony of the future than the Tony of right now. While the move seems like a risky move for the driver, for Tony the owner, it makes all the sense in the world.
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about 1 month ago
ESPN is reporting that the announcement of Tony leaving JGR for co-owner/driver postion at Haas/CNC will be made later today (7/9)
about 1 month ago
When Smoke was so quiet last year about it, and never really commented on the move and even at the press confrence he barely talked, he didn't seem all that excited or looking forward to it as much as Hamlin and and crew were. So you knew he didn't exaclty like the move. But he smiled and nodded due to loyalty to Gibbs, But you knew that if he got the right offer he would opt out. The move to Haas seems little risky, but I think it is good for the sport. it will help bring in those sponsors for those smaller teams that are barely surving right now. But its good move for NASCAR overall, we will have to wait and see until next year if he made a smart career move.
about 1 month ago
I am a Jeremy Mayfield fan and after watching him fall with that team I think Tony has his work cut out for him
about 1 month ago
I guess the official announcement will come tomorrow, but it's clear that Tony is going to make the excitin move. Plus, it was also covered on DigitalFunTown news this morning.
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