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

[Alex Kessler]

I think Davey is right. Tony goals are: 1) Become an owner in the Cup Series (weather he drives from himself or not) I saw an interview where he said he is becoming worried about his future and wants a reliable income after he retires from racing. And 2) He wants to get back in a Chevy. He has been upset about the Toyota switch from the beginning and a lack of personal performance is not helping.

If Tony buys a controlling interest in HAAS, look for a stronger partnership with Hendrick, similar to the deal DEI, RCR and Andy Petree had back in 2000 and 2001.

 

[Jason Roush]

He is now also stating that he is looking in the direction of the #5 ride as well

 

[Batman1138]

I'm still iffy about Haas. I'd wish he'd stay at Gibbs. Like I said on the first post I root for Tony because of Joe Gibbs. If Tony's on his own and does something stupid like's he done in the past (I.E. punch a photographer) who's going to keep him in line. He needs the Coach. Unless he ends up in the 5 car, then Hendrick will have waaaaaaaaaaaaay to many superstars in his fold.

 

[MattSRD28]

He is now also stating that he is looking in the direction of the #5 ride as well

Good grief, can you imagine? I can't, Tony's a hot head much like Kyle Busch. Tony might win in the 5 car, but it likely won't be to Hendrick's liking. Tony's the kind of driver that either needs to realize just how good he's got it in the ride he's in, or go drive his own stuff. I really think Tony just wouldn't ever be happy driving for Hendrick, even if he won a race or two in the #5.

Michael Waltrip needs to give Tony a call and remind him of the struggle Michael went through, and is still going through to a certain extent. Michael did with Cal Wells & Toyota just about exactly what Tony is thinking of doing w/ Haas & Chevy. Tony's not going to be able to take too much of that. If Tony EVER DNQ'd, man I sure wouldn't want to be in that shop the next morning. :swoon:

If he's smart, he'll realize that driving for Gibbs & Toyota ain't so bad, IF Tony wants to win races some more. If winning or making the Chase isn't the main goal anymore for Tony, then by all means leave Gibbs & Home Depot in a cloud of smoke...

 

[Ten0r]

Keep in mind, Tony would be the most recent past champion. He would be locked into at least the first 5 races. You know he can come from the back to the front, the question is how far up can he make it in the 5 races. He's also a decent qualifier so after the first 5, as long as he's locked into the top 35 or has a few provisional starts left, he'll be locked in for the year.

I do not like either of Tony's reported options. Mears should have been allowed to finish his contract and I'm not liking Hendrick for that. Haas has never been a real contender and I can't see Tony making the team better. He'll win, yes, but the team itself won't be any better.

I'm really not looking forward to next year. This is gonna be one hell of a Silly Season. I'm still waiting for David Stremme to move back up to cup. His ride with RWI prove he can race, he just needs good equipment.

 

[Batman1138]

I'm really not looking forward to next year. This is gonna be one hell of a Silly Season. I'm still waiting for David Stremme to move back up to cup. His ride with RWI prove he can race, he just needs good equipment.

I bet if Newman leaves Penske, Stremme is a lock for the 12 car.

 

[MattSRD28]

RUMOR: Stewart to form Stewart/Hass Racing in 2009

Still a rumor at this point, but becoming one of those highly-detailed rumors that's most likely going to happen...

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)

Office Depot to Stewart UPDATE and Newman and Jack Daniels: been told that Office Depot will be the sponsor for Tony Stewart in 2009 when he drives for Haas CNC Racing which is will buy in to. Hearing the announcement of the buy and deal will be made in Indianapolis the week NASCAR is in Indy for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, July 27th.(7-3-2008)
UPDATE: Tony Stewart is expected to announce a 2009 move to Haas-CNC Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in three weeks. Reliable sources tell Sirius Speedway that Stewart will also announce sponsorship from Office Depot and Old Spice as part of a new, multi-year package with Haas CNC, and that Penske Racing’s Ryan Newman will join him as a teammate, with sponsorship from Jack Daniels. That surprise move comes as the result of an enviable situation at Richard Childress Racing, which now has five potential sponsors for next season, and only four teams. Sirius Speedway has learned that UPS will move from Michael Waltrip Racing’s #44 Toyota to the quarterpanels of Clint Bowyer’s #07 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in 2009, leaving Jack Daniels in search of a new driver. That driver will be Newman, who is set to sign-on with Stewart at Haas CNC

From Marty Smith of ESPN.com...

• New race team's name will be Stewart/Hass Racing
• Tony will drive #14 in homage to A.J. Foyt
• Team will race Chevrolets and continue to use Hendrick motorsports equipment

Looks like a pretty done deal to me, but lots of details still to be found out. For now, Stewart's #20 team is basically a lame duck for the rest of the season.

 

[Mike24]

Looks like all the pieces to the puzzle are in place...

#14 Tony Stewart Office Depot Impala
#? Ryan Newman Jack Daniel's Impala

 

[Batman1138]

not all the pieces. This is a crazier silly season than last years if you ask me.

 

[scottw73]

I read that David Reutimann will leave MWR at the end of 2008 and replace Kyle Petty in the #45 in 2009???

from Jayski:

Reutimann to take over #45 for Petty in 2009? Look for David Reutimann to be announced soon as the replacement for Kyle Petty in the #45 car, something the Petty folks would rather we not know about just yet.(Yahoo Sports)(7-10-2008)

 

[brainy]

I read that David Reutimann will leave MWR at the end of 2008 and replace Kyle Petty in the #45 in 2009???

from Jayski:

Reutimann to take over #45 for Petty in 2009? Look for David Reutimann to be announced soon as the replacement for Kyle Petty in the #45 car, something the Petty folks would rather we not know about just yet.(Yahoo Sports)(7-10-2008)

They need to do something to the 45 car to make it more competitive. To me it seems like a step down for Reutimann, but with sponsors leaving there may be no more room at MWR for him. I was hoping Aaron's would step up to cup on the 44 or that one of the other teams that are looking (#12) would pick up Reutimann. He has shown he can drive in the Nationwide series.

Oh yeah, and as for Stewart... I think it's worth the gamble for him. There's alot of benefit$ to ownership if you're successful. Of course you can loose your shirt too. It'll let him drive a Chevy like he wants to. I'm not sure if Logano is ready for Cup but I guess we'll find out now.

 

[Batman1138]

I think Truex should go to the 20 car, just my opinion.

 

[meowmixer45]

I just don't like seeing Tony drive under a different number, it just won't be the same without that big orange number 20. And if Logano replaces him in the #20 (which is very likely) it is also very likely I will stop rooting for JGR all together. True, he got lucky and won a NWS race, but there is more talent out there that is looking for a better ride then Joey. The kid is good, but he's just a kid, and I bet that you give someone who is struggling like Truex Jr. or Said a ride in the #20 and they'd be competitive every weekend. I'm glad I held off on slapping a #20 on my car though, I kinda guessed with would happen.

 

[Batman1138]

You guys should see my room. Tony Stewart #20 Home Depot stuff everywhere from his rookie season! AAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!! Oh well.

 

[scottw73]

well at least you didn't paint your car orange and put 20 on it.

 

[Batman1138]

ummm.....let's get ahead of ourselves ok Scott?

 

[meowmixer45]

Haha! I've always wanted to get a 1999 Pontiac GranPrix and mark it up like Stewart's rookie car, gawd that would look hot. And Batman, you really didn't do that to your car, did you? I really really really hope that Tony gets to keep Home Depot, at least Jr. got to keep part of his number (8 to 88)...different number, different manufacturer, different sponsor...that's a little too much for me to take in since I've been a fan of Stewart since he started racing in the top tier. :err:

 

[scottw73]

from a collectors viewpoint, expect anything with Tony and Home Depot on it to skyrocket in value, especially this years cars his one and only year driving a Toyota. I'm surpirsed no one has mentioned this ( or have they) is Tony going to take Zippy with him next year???

 

[DE3]

from a collectors viewpoint, expect anything with Tony and Home Depot on it to skyrocket in value, especially this years cars his one and only year driving a Toyota. I'm surpirsed no one has mentioned this ( or have they) is Tony going to take Zippy with him next year???

I did hear that Zippy has a clause in his contract that if Tony left he could opt-out of his remaining contract. So it will be interesting to see if he excercises this option or stays with JGR.

 

[meowmixer45]

Yea, I heard the same thing that DE3 heard, from what I know Zippy actually plans to stay with JGR for 2009 - the article was on NASCAR.com this morning but now it's been replaced by the power rankings article...if you want try to find it, I'm too lazy to right now :cute: