Tony Stewart is to be granted his release from JGR. He will be going to Haas-CNC Racing, effective next season. He has to look to his future. He is leaving the only home he's had in NASCAR. In a sense, he's leaving the nest to spread his wings. In my opinion, I think it's a good move for him.
Here's why: he'll have a stake in ownership of this team. He can mold that team to his liking. He has a smart business acumen. Also, he has a contract with General Motors for his Sprint Car and World of Outlaws teams that he will have an easier time fulfilling. Haas-CNC has Hendrick horsepower under the hood, so he will have support from Rick Hendrick and to a smaller extent, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He can also choose the driver he wants as his teammate.
Now who will be his teammate in this new venture? Several drivers have been rumored, among them Ryan Newman and Martin Truex, Jr. Personally, while many have suggested Newman, I think he will go with Truex, if Truex decides to leave DEI after the season, as has been rumored. I could be wrong; I have been before.
Smoke, if anyone can succeed as a Cup driver/owner, it's you. God speed in your venture, and welcome back to Chevrolet.
It's interesting that this announcement is coming tomorrow. It was supposed to made at Indy in two weeks. I'm sure that the timing was moved up because of Tony's health. Those flu-like symptoms are probably from the ulcer he's developed over the last few months having to deal with all this on top of the bad luck he's been having on the track.
As for the move, I would rather see him in the 4th car at RCR. Haas/CNC is at the bottom of the food chain manufacturer wise, and I don't see Rick Hendrick handing over championship quality engines even with Tony running the show (then again, woe be to Rick the first time Tony gets a #### engine). I guess time will tell.
I do hope that Zippy goes with him- either now or when his contract expires at the end of next season. It would be a shame to split those two apart.
The one thing I do know is that we will still be Tony Stewart fans. I guess Katie will be getting new Tony Stewart gear for Christmas.
ESPN.com is reporting that Tony will drive the #14 next year. That seems fitting since 14 was A.J. Foyt's number, and Tony's always looked on him as a hero, role model, mentor, etc.
Last edited by SpeedBeagle20 on July 8th at 11:58 PM.
Tony as the boss? That should be interesting. Even though it was sometimes hard to tell, Tony knew that he was just a JGR employee, and couldn't say everything that was on his mind. SB20 is correct, the 1st time Tony gets a #### engine (real or imagined) watch out. Now running unrestricted, Smoke should be fun to watch, and hear.
Well now that it is all out in the open I hope Tony feels better and gets down to racing. He has won at least 2 cup races every year up to now. So lets set aside the distractions and win some races!
I would love to see Zippy go along for the ride but I guess that is up to Gibbs and Zippy. I don't know if it would be in Zippy's best interest either, the 20 could be a contender for years to come with Joey in the seat.
jon' It'd appear that this was more a business decision than anything else. He knew that he wouldn't gain any power within JGR structure. So what better than to go to a team that's looking for a high profile competitor and who'll garner them some much neeeded press . And at the same time'll end up being a staked owner in that company with a great deal of say in how it's being ran .
I don't begrudge Tony Stewart leaving JGR and I commend JGR on the decision made. This could've ended up with there being acrimony between the parties concerned. But instead calmer heads prevailed. And at the end of the day that's what the sport and the fans want to see. Not the bellyaching and name calling that tends to go on.
Good luck, Smoke. It's a different CUP world when you're the one signing the checks...hiring the employees...developing the cars...talking with vendors/suppliers...schmoozing ALL of the sponsors, not just your's...worrying about how your teammate/employee is running...building the race shop to the preferred capacity...concerned with the administrative support in the back office.
It would be very cool to see him in the #14 car, though.
It seems that Zippy will stay with JGR, I think that will be hardest for me to get used to. Truex or Newman? I dunno, Newman's another Indiana kid if it matters. As long as Smoke doesn't change his appearance schedule this year, we're good - taking my grandson to see him this fall! LOL!
This is a natural progression for a guy like Stewart. What else was he going to do at JGR? To judge if Stewart will be successful or not visit Eldora Speedway if you have the chance. What he's done there is just a glimpse at what he can really do. I was a Smoke fan when he went to Toyota and still a Smoke fan when he lives JGR - now I have a reason to buy new shirts........
I think Tony will do well with the change. Will be fun to watch how his team develops next year. I would like to see him with the #14...he does remind me a Foyt a lot.
I applaud Stewart for leaving Gibbs. I feel his destiny is at another organization. Too bad Hendrick isn't available. Also, I think that Truex Jr. would be a better teammate than Newman. I can't ever picture Ryan winning a championship.
Before we completely dismiss Ryan Newman, let's not forget that in 2002- when that year's rookie class included both Ryan Newman AND Jimmie Johnson-it was Ryan Newman that walked away with Rookie of the Year in what was a very tight race between him and JJ.
I dunno if this is a good move or not, only time will tell I guess. I would hate to see him po'ed in teh garage more than he already is! LOL
I still say Truex is more likely teammate than Newman just based on personalities, but what do I know! This should be way more interesting to watch than even Jrs move to HMS....
jon- Good read. I was at work last night when I got a call about Tony going through with the move. What I didnt expect was for Joe Gibbs to just let him go that easy. The last report that I had gotten said that JGR was waiting for an offer from Chevy to buy out his last year. Unlees all of that happened and they didnt let us know. Oh well at least now Tony can move on with the rest of this year and start planning for next.
I wish smoke the best of luck. it is good to see him and gibbs ending on good terms, unlike the bitter divorce between junior and teresa last year. He has a tough road ahead of him though. What he did at Eldora is not gonna be a drop in the bucket compared to what he will have to do at Haas. But if anyone can do it, I think he can
SB20, I was hoping to see him in the 4th RCR car. But Haas-CNC is giving him the opportunity to be a Cup car owner. I'd love to see Zippy join him there. And #14 would be fitting for Smoke.
SRM, JGR is in good hands. Smoke did as much as he could while he's been there. Now let's see what Logano can do.
Hanahan, I'd tune in just to hear Smoke rant once he gets a #### engine.
Elad, he's too good NOT to win a race this year. I can see him winning at Indy.
Tophatal, it definitely is a business decision. I think Joe Gibbs realized that. His leaving could have very well been acriomonious, but I'm glad cooler heads prevailed.
Tyler, DEI will be history after the 2009 season. I can see Teresa closing the doors midway in the 2009 season.
Moseby, he's definitely going to have a LOT of irons in the fire. My question is: is he spreading himself too thin?
Wantonow, Smoke and Newman are not on the best of terms. I can also see Casey Mears as his teammate. Your grandson will have a blast, I'm sure!
Dowboy, he did all he could at JGR. Now's the time for him to expand his horizons. I'd love to visit Eldora Speedway at some point.
Gerrel, me too. Smoke really looks up to Foyt as a mentor and I'm sure Foyt's been giving him a lot of advice.
Gonger93, he's not the same Smoke this season. I'm sure when JGR made the move to Toyota, the die was cast for Smoke to leave. Now he's leaving and it will be better for him.
Photogr, he's going to have a lot of irons in the fire. But if anyone can do it, it's him.
Volfan, thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing him i
Volfan, thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing him in the #14 Chevrolet.
Kristen, we should know by this time next season. As a past champion, he's locked into the first five races of next season. I think Truex as well, but I've been wrong before.
3fan, thanks. I think you'll see a more relaxed Smoke now. IMO, I think Chevy bought out his final year at JGR because they so wanted to see him back in the Bowtie Brigade.
He's a big star. I am his big fan. I saw him dating on a ####
dating site called ''"kiss millionaires.com"''. Seems he is hooking up with a
hottie. The girl is from California. Very soft and sexy.
I don't know if Tony will take this into considerstion, but Ryan would probably be a better choice with a "semi-new" team, just because Ryan qualifies better. When you have a team where both cars are outside the top 35 in points, they will need to qualify on time to get in. Plus, Ryan's background and education, would probably provide more valuable input for the team.
jon' People tend to decry Stewart at times for his demeanor on and off the track. But the way this was handled by him and Gibbs , really shows what a class act he is.
But yet the cloud that Lil' E left DEI under was filled with hell of a lot of acrimony on all sides. Again business decision or family feuding as to who ought to have a bigger slice of the pie ?
justan' aka tophatal .........
Last edited by justanotherfan on July 10th at 6:35 AM.
bihind "wild thing"tony is my favorite driver,but if i was joe gibbs i would tell him to hit the road today,joe needs to get joey l in that #20 car for the rest of the year and get him up to speed,so next year he might become the youngest driver to ever win the sprint cup.tonys days as a winner are over,i hope he proves me wrong,but i have seen to many owner drivers fall flat on their face.
Last edited by papawjoe65 on July 10th at 8:03 AM.
Jon - I think Chevy made a big financial investment in this team, or at least that is the rumor. Let's just hope he learned not to "foyt" on the cars and hires some good mechanics!
Jon I agree thinking Truexx would be a great fit. Tony is a racing lover. He is also a BowTie kinda guy. Putting the two back together is like having cake and icecream at a birthday party. It just fits. Chevy is happy. Hass is happy. And Tony "Smoke" Stewart is were he wants to be. Chevy Smokin like a Rock...
Sunday, that'll make for some good entertainment! He's gotta be more measured in his words.
Hckydad, you raise some very valid points. Newman does have the reputation o####ood qualifier. And with Hendrick horsepower under the hood, should Newman go to Stewart-Haas, he could become Flyin' Ryan again.
Tophatal, this was handled much better because cooler heads prevailed. Joe Gibbs finally came to the realization that it was time for Smoke to leave. In Dale Jr's case, it was Teresa that wouldn't give Dale Jr and his sister 51% of the company. Teresa wanted the WHOLE pie.
88fan4sure, Office Depot will definitely be the sponsor of Stewart's #14 Chevrolet. I hope Zippy goes with him, but it depends on JGR. They may want to pair him with the next driver of the #20, whether it be Logano or someone else. If Truex joins Stewart, there is a possibility Bass Pro Shops could follow Truex.
Papawjoe65, if Stewart doesn't make the Chase, it's possible Gibbs could release him before the end of the season to let Logano in the #20 and give him some seat time.
IowaGirl, it wouldn't surprise me one bit that Chevy invested megabucks in this new team. I hope he does hire a great crew.
Noahspop, I myself agree, Truex is a great fit. Tony and Chevy is like peanut butter and jelly. He's going to be much more relaxed next season and I look for him to have a huge season.
Tsfanpc, in recent years, driver/owners haven't done very well. Perhaps Smoke can reverse the trend. We shall see. But he did seem more relaxed tonight.
jon'
Tsfanpc It's always difficult when it comes to driver owners. And even more so if they're starting from scratch.
And in the case of Smoke, his input will be of great importance to the team. So I think he'll do well. But again that'll be dependent upon the team and how they'll fare and their ambitions.
As to the boggers within this forum I do believe that it's incumbent upon us all to beware as to what we're prepared to write about.
As evidenced by what's been written within the post I've just written. I've provided a link for you to view the piece in question. Just click on the link (site) to view the piece.
jon'
I'm glad that you enjoyed the post. That was the one of the main reasons that it was written in order to shed some light on the do's and dont's when it comes to blogging with any arena.
I've also got this particular post up within another forum. I'll post a link where you can view the piece in its entirety.
Just click on the link (site) to view. I hope that you find the piece interesting ?
And I look forwars to reading your comments as and when you're ready.
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