by Chris E.
Member since:
October 15, 2007

Tony Stewart Leaving Joe Gibbs Racing

July 09, 2008 10:41 AM UTC (Updated: July 09, 2008 10:44 AM UTC)
views: 0 | comments: 25

There have been many rumors flying around about the status of Tony Stewart and Gibbs racing. It seems like today there will be an offical announcment. I actually think this is a good think for both Gibbs Racing and Stewart. I never really felt like Stewart fit in with Gibbs Racing way of doing things. Of course that is my opinion and the way I saw it.

Here is the article from Nascar.com

Stewart to leave JGR, join Haas CNC as part owner Formal announcement set for Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET

Add another line to Tony Stewart's resume: team owner.

NASCAR.COM has learned that Joe Gibbs Racing has agreed to release Stewart, a two-time Cup Series champion, from the final year of his contract. In turn, Stewart is purchasing what is believed to be a 50 percent stake in Haas CNC Racing and will drive for the team in 2009.

A formal announcement is expected on Thursday. Fans can watch the news conference live on NASCAR.COM at 2:30 p.m. ET (WATCH LIVE).

Stewart was linked to Haas CNC Racing as early as Talladega weekend in April. At that time he said, "A wise person told me it never cost a dime to listen, so right now we're all ears.

"Right now it's just a matter of figuring out what we want to do, and being smart. We've had a great run at Joe Gibbs Racing. It doesn't mean it's over. We're just going to look at everything that's out there."

JGR president J.D. Gibbs had hoped to sign Stewart to an extension. "Our hope is we do our job, and he retires here," Gibbs said at Talladega.

Speculation is that Nationwide Series rookie Joey Logano will move into the No. 20 car vacated by Stewart. However sources confirmed to NASCAR.COM that no decision has been made on who will replace Stewart on the team after this season.

There is no word on Haas CNC's current stable -- including Scott Riggs in the No. 66 and the No. 70, which has had several drivers this season.

Comments: 25

Beth J. Jul 9, 2008, 10:47am UTC
Well, that is racing. Good luck to Tony in his future endevors. Do you know if he will still be racing?
Chris E. Jul 9, 2008, 10:51am UTC
Yes he will be driving for Haas CNC Racing next year.
Tabitha M. Jul 9, 2008, 10:56am UTC
I never liked Tony Stewart. Good for Gibbs!
Vicky P. Jul 9, 2008, 10:57am UTC
Never got into the racing thing myself, now Monster Trucks, I'd love to go see them.
Marianne R. Jul 9, 2008, 11:22am UTC
Good luck to him.
Chris E. Jul 9, 2008, 1:39pm UTC
Oh my god bite your tongue Phyllis! No room for him at Hendrick Motorsports anyways.
Only 4 cars and we already have Jimmy, Jeff, Jr, and the newest addition. Mark Martin.
I don't see Hendrick making anymore changes any time soon.
Sue B. Jul 9, 2008, 2:11pm UTC
Joe Gibbs will be better off without him. He definitely has an attitude and ego problem.
Phyllis R. Jul 9, 2008, 3:13pm UTC
Never liked Tony Stewart, -- one cocky human being!! Now, DE Jr is another story.....we can talk about (and look at) him all day!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL :o)
Chris E. Jul 9, 2008, 3:31pm UTC
LOL Phyllis! Jr is now one of my driver's teammates.

I never liked Stewart either. He is really the only driver I can not stand.
Patty H. Jul 9, 2008, 3:38pm UTC
Well you know me Chris, I love Tony his ego and all. Im not so sure this is a good thing, but we will have to wait and see. It sounds like a deal he sure could not pass on, but rather they have a car good enough for him, is the thing im worried about.
Patty H. Jul 9, 2008, 3:39pm UTC
Thanks for posting this, I have not been to nascar.com yet today to check and see if there was anywork. I have been watching the last few weeks to see what he was going to do.
Chris E. Jul 9, 2008, 3:49pm UTC
Patty I guess it depends on how you look at it. From his fans point of view it may not be a good thing but from his point of view he is getting into ownership which means he will have more control over his racing. I hope he paid attention while with Gibbs Racing and learned a few things otherwise this could be a real bad move for him. On the otherhand there is really nobody to keep him in line now which I think was a good thing for him with Gibbs. He had someone to answer to.

Should be interesting to see what happens.
Lawrence J, H. Jul 9, 2008, 4:10pm UTC
Oh no that's as bad as dale Jarrett going to Michael Waltrip racing. bad movie on tony's part. Haas CNC has not and never been any good and never will be any good.
Lawrence J, H. Jul 9, 2008, 4:13pm UTC
tony will go winless this year and next yearand half of 2010.
Chris E. Jul 9, 2008, 4:52pm UTC
Lawrence. I agree with you I don't see him winning anything until at least 2010.

I suspect thaat Haas CNC thinks that Tony will be the driver that can win from his previus experience. Like you I don't think that it was a good move for him but I guess only time will tell.
Chris E. Jul 9, 2008, 4:55pm UTC
Phyllis- He actually did day he was going to retire a while back but I gues the almost winning the Daytona 500 made him think again. I agree he won't be around much longer.

Martin is my stepdads favorite driver too.
Janet "Jax" B. Jul 9, 2008, 5:39pm UTC
I actually thought Stewart might make the move to Hendrick Motorsports, since they were to have an empty spot. I have mixed feelings about Mark Martin taking it....and he decided to drive full time next year in part because his son Matt decided not to race.

I personally think Stewart is making a mistake going to HAAS.
Janet "Jax" B. Jul 9, 2008, 5:40pm UTC
Oh, and personally, I can't stand the Bush brothers....omg...they drive me nuts with the attitude and comments.
Chris E. Jul 9, 2008, 5:57pm UTC
Janet- They are getting on my nerves too but as of right now I can tolerate them. That may change in the future though. lol
Lawrence J, H. Jul 10, 2008, 3:29am UTC
***Phyllis*** Martin 2 year deal with Hendrick calls for one full year of racing and one half year of racing.
Lawrence J, H. Jul 10, 2008, 3:34am UTC
Chris you said "I suspect that Haas CNC thinks that Tony will be the driver that can win." this mite be true of Haas. they hope? I just can't see one good driver + 2 bad cars add up to one win. a good driver needs a good car to win and a lot of good luck.
Lawrence J, H. Jul 10, 2008, 3:37am UTC
Janet "Jax" B., the Bush brothers look like they got hit in the face with a MAC truck... they are already getting old to watch winning
Austin Cushing Jul 12, 2008, 9:33am UTC
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached at least ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway!
Nick Howes Jul 17, 2008, 1:05pm UTC
Here's another click for you.

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