OFFICIAL: Stewart to form Stewart Haas Racing in '09 & drive #14

[Batman1138]

Just read this on Jayski and freaked out!

Stewart to leave JGR? Sources tell Sports Illustrated that #20-Tony Stewart is working on the final stages of a deal to move from Joe Gibbs Racing to Haas CNC next season. Considering the ramifications of such a move, no one's admitting anything quite yet, as you'd expect. When reached for comment, Haas CNC Racing spokesman Ron Mench claims there's been no communication between Stewart and the organization. Stewart's PR spokesman Mike Arning was noncommittal ("I've heard what you've heard," when asked about Haas CNC) but he reminded SI [Sports Illustrated] that Stewart's contract with Gibbs runs through the 2009 season. "He's there this year and he's there next year," claimed Arning. "And I know for a fact that JGR is interested in retaining Tony for '10 and beyond. They'd like him to retire at Joe Gibbs Racing. As Tony's said many times, 'Nothing's broke. Why change it?' Tony's going to have a lot of options in front of him; why wouldn't he? But I don't see [an early out happening] ... everyone is going to live up to the terms of the contract that runs through '09." However, sources are adamant that not just the talking, but deal-making is already taking place for Stewart to go elsewhere. And, while sometimes a formidable opponent, contracts can be easily bought out, as Jamie McMurray and Kurt Busch have shown us in recent years.(Sports Illustrated), am sure this will be much dicussed about over the weekend at Talladega.(4-23-2008)

I rooted for Tony Stewart because of Joe Gibbs Racing! If this is true I know what Dale Jr fans felt like last year.

Thoughts? Predictions?

 

[scottw73]

I hope he stays, he's just struggling with Toyota, But I wonder if he goes, does Home Depot go with him. but then on the other hand if he leaves, then JGR may elevate Joey Lagano up to cup next year.

 

[Batman1138]

I hope he stays, he's just struggling with Toyota, But I wonder if he goes, does Home Depot go with him. but then on the other hand if he leaves, then JGR may elevate Joey Lagano up to cup next year.

I think it depends on how Logano does in the Nationwide Series before he even goes to Cup '09. Frankly I want him to stay at JGR. HAAS would be a bad idea. Home Depot is under contract through 09 as well. So it'll be interesting for sure. Now if Smoke goes to Hendrick that would be a different story or to RCR to the 33 car where he would have a Champion's provisional. Man I got ideas in my head its unreal. How ironic would it be if Bobby Labonte leaves Petty to take Stewart's ride? Ugh, I want him to stay

 

[DE3]

I think this post is 22 days late for a April fools joke.

Why would you leave one of the best teams in Nascar to go to Haas?

If this is true, Tony leaving JGR, I think he'd be a better fit at RCR in the #33 car. He and Kevin are real good friends, and I think he'd be a big help to RCR. Maybe even steal some of Hendricks thunder.

 

[simobsessed]

I heard on his radio show that he plans on staying with gibbs to end his career in cup. I also know he said when zippy is ready to retire that is when he will retire also.

 

[AutoCANE]

Whoa...I can't believe what I just read. Going to Haas would just be a disaster waiting to happen...RCR, maybe...but Haas? No way. Maybe the idea has been kicked around, but if Tony gives it some serious thought he would realize it would be career suicide. Haas simply does not have the resources that a JGR, Hendrick, or RCR have. I'm actually kind of in shock right now.

 

[Brak61]

This is actually on Jayski's, I checked because I couldn't believe it. I've looked for Stewart to leave JGR by year's end, contract buyout or not. He is not at all happy about the Toyota switch. I think if he actually does leave it'll be for Hendrick, Mears will be out before the Chase starts (finish '08 though) unless he can pull a couple of wins out of his rear end and although he's a competent driver I don't think he'll be able to do that.

Haas CNC??? :nah: Geez, there's gotta be something strange going on if this actually happens. :unsure:

 

[MattSRD28]

Welcome to Dale Jr. Wars Episode II: Attack of the Tony's

Tony's thinking about Hass CNC for the same REAL reason Dale Jr. left DEI: ownership.

It is possible that Tony would move out of JGR and into a Hass CNC car, and buy controlling interest of the team in the process. Tony also wants to get back into a GM car BADLY. Buying into Hass CNC would accomplish both goals that are rather important to Tony. Tony enjoys being an owner. He's rather good at it, AND it's very important to him and General Motors (who sponsors a team he owns) that Tony get back behind the wheel of a Chevy in the Cup Series.

I would not be at all surprised to see this happen.

--DF28

 

[13Misfit13]

If he actually leaves gibbs....It's gonna be the four horsemen all the way. If there was any doubt that he was unhappy about Gibbs switch to toyota go back to the end of last season and the awards show and you can see the disgust on his face when he had to talk about the switch. Casey Mears will be out the door when the season ends as bad as it has begun and the door will be opened for tony!

 

[MattSRD28]

But Tony can't own Hendrick, and ownership's the real driver in this. I don't think Tony would leave Gibbs just to drive a Chevy, but if the Hendrick seat actually opened up, who knows?

 

[mstiles322732]

I would love to see him in RCR or hendrick to 2 best chevy teams this year and he would only make them better next year.

 

[Bgartz29]

Tony Stewart at RCR would be just down right nasty, that would be the second best team of drivers out there.

 

[Mike24]

That would be an awesome team. Tony in the 33 would make RCR downright fierce.

 

[DE3]

Now this talk of Tony wanting to go back with Chevy, and team ownership being thrown around, makes be think of Dale Sr.'s deal where he drove for RCR but started his own team DEI. Granted they were both GM teams.

Now I'm not saying Toyota would like one of their star drivers starting his own team with GM, but It would keep him at Gibbs until his contract is up.

Than he'd be freed-up to drive for his own team at the end of the '09 season.

Just thinking out loud.....

 

[AutoCANE]

What I don't get is this...Tony's been driving for his buddy Kevin Harvick in the Busch (oops, I mean, Nationwide) series off and on for the past couple years. I would think that he would notice the success that Harvick has had with his company - and compare that with Robby Gordon, who hasn't tasted that same kind of success as an owner / driver at the Cup level. Now granted, Smoke is looking for a majority ownership deal - maybe not full ownership like Robby...but still, I would think that would weigh on his decision at least a little.

But I'm sure the potential ownership of his team is exciting...much like it would be exciting for me to start my own business.

I guess we'll have to wait and see how it plays out.

 

[DE3]

Ownership is where the money is.

 

[Mike24]

Stewart to buy Haas-CNC; Newman to drive second car...

Just read this on Jayski:

More on Stewart and Haas CNC UPDATE done deal?: Tony Stewart is shopping for car sponsorships in anticipation of a potential partnership with Haas CNC Racing, multiple sources told ESPN.com. Although Stewart has a year left on his contract at Joe Gibbs Racing and JGR officials insist he hasn't asked for a release, the two-time Sprint Cup champion appears prepared to share ownership of Haas Racing's two-car team in 2009. One source close to the situation said there have been discussions with Ryan Newman as the second driver. Newman has said he will not return to Penske Racing if the performance of that team doesn't improve quickly. Newman's name definitely would help draw sponsorship to Haas. "He's talking to every major sponsor that is available out there for this Haas deal," one source said of Stewart and his representatives. "I don't know if it's done, but it sounds like it's very close." Office Depot and Old Spice have emerged as the favorites for at least one of the cars. Office Depot lost its bid to remain with Carl Edwards of Roush Fenway Racing when Aflac was chosen as the primary sponsor of the #99. Sources said there have been discussions with Stewart's representatives that would make Office Depot and Old Spice co-primaries with Office Depot as the lead sponsor. Old Spice already has a relationship with Stewart in the Cup and Nationwide Series. Stewart would not address his future following Sunday's race at Infineon Raceway. JGR president J.D. Gibbs insisted Stewart had not closed the door on signing a long-term deal with the company that brought him to Cup racing in 1999 and helped him win titles in 2002 and 2005. But there is widespread speculation that the reason JGR has rushed Joey Logano into the Nationwide Series is to prepare him to take Stewart's place should Stewart leave. Stewart admitted two months ago there had been inquiries from other teams. He acknowledged there had been talks with Haas CNC that included ownership.(ESPN.com)
AND: am hearing that Stewart leaving JGR and buying into Haas CNC Racing is a done deal, supposedly the 2nd driver could be Martin Treux Jr. Hearing the sponsors could be UPS and Bass Pro Shops.(6-26-2008) Comment here
UPDATE: supposedly the deal is done, earlier Friday, a source close to the situation said that Chevrolet has agreed to terms with Joe Gibbs Racing to buy Tony Stewart out of his contract with the #20-Toyota Sprint Cup racing team. Stewart will indeed be making the move to Haas CNC Racing, a rumor that has been circulating for months. Supposedly Stewart’s new sponsor will be Office Depot and terms have been finalized regarding the impending sponsorship. In addition, Stewart will be joined by current #12 Penske Racing driver Ryan Newman, who would be sponsored by Burger King. No word yet on what car numbers the drivers will run and an announcement could come as early as next week at the Daytona International Speedway.( Captain Thunder)(6-27-2008)

This is a huge deal if it is true, and it sounds as if all of the details are present. I wonder who'll jump in the 12...Mears, perhaps?

 

[Wombat24]

Geez, with Hendrick backing that could become a power team if that is all true! Just really leaves a ??? now as to who could end up in the 5 car if the rumors about Mears being out are true.

 

[MattSRD28]

Um...loyalty?

If I was J.D. Gibbs or Home Depot, I'd feel pretty pissed off after standing behind Tony through all his crap, supporting him through 2 championships, only to see him just totally walk away. He's been lucky enough to have the same team, same sponsor, same crew chief and more for his entire NASCAR career and now he's going to crumple it all up and chuck it in the garbage because he wants to own a 3rd-tier Chevy team. Well, hope you're happy Mr. I'm-37-and-still-single-so-I'm-not-doing-something-right... :spinny:

More notes if this is true:

Scott Riggs will be looking for a new ride...

State Water Heaters will be looking for a new team...

Penske will be looking for a new driver and a new sponsor for the current #12, or face contraction back to a 2-car team...

 

[Flatout24]

This could be cool. Stewart would really be helping Haas CNC out BIG time.

about Mears, he is leaving, at least that's what nascar.com said, rumors are RCR in 08.
Wonder where Newman or Truex will go if he leaves? maybe a switcheroo between their rides?