NEWS: Stewart granted release from Gibbs; going to Haas

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Ward Burton

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Two-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart has been granted a release from the final year of his driving contract with Joe Gibbs Racing after 10 seasons with the team, sources close to Stewart confirmed for ESPN.com Tuesday night.

Stewart will formally announce his departure from the team Wednesday.

On Thursday at Chicagoland Speedway, Stewart will formally announce a move to Haas/CNC Racing as co-owner and driver, sources close to Stewart said.

Haas/CNC, which currently fields the Nos. 66 and 70 Chevrolets, will be renamed Stewart Haas Racing in 2009.

Sources close to both sides told ESPN.com the deal will make Stewart the highest-paid driver in NASCAR.

Sources also said the Stewart Haas cars will carry different numbers. The No. 14, made famous in IndyCar racing by Stewart's hero, A.J. Foyt, is available, but sources would neither confirm nor deny that as his choice.

Sources said Stewart will own a 50 percent stake in the organization, but his financial investment in attaining it was not disclosed.

As ESPN.com's David Newton initially reported, Office Depot will have a role in sponsoring Stewart's car.

Ryan Newman remains the lead candidate to drive Stewart Haas' second car, sources said, though no deal had yet been finalized Tuesday night.

Stewart Haas will continue to receive chassis and engines from Hendrick Motorsports. Haas/CNC's current drivers, Scott Riggs and Johnny Sauter, are ranked 36th and 44th, respectively, in the owner point standings.

If the team's performance fails to improve its points position during the second half of 2008, Stewart's champion's provisional will guarantee him a slot in the field for the first five races next season, presuming NASCAR doesn't change the rule.

During his tenure at JGR, which began in 1999, Stewart has recorded 32 victories, a pair of Sprint Cup championships and more than $68 million in winnings. Stewart has reinvested his wealth in racing. He owns multiple sprint car teams and a trio of racetracks, including Eldora Speedway.
 
wilson89 said:
i belive this will be career suicide.Haas has been around for awhile and have nothing but failure.
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I'm going to say it again, don't be so harsh on HAAS.

None of the drivers they've had have ever done anything in Sprint Cup (a few surprise top tens here and there). All of the drivers on their team last year and this year all drove for some big teams (Childress, Evernham) and never did anything.

The Haas cars run pretty solidly, and they've had solid pit stops throughout the past couple years. Maybe, the problem isn't the team.
 
Mark down Aug. 12, 2007 as the last Cup win for Tony Stewart. It will be a long time before Tony sees victory lane again.
No word if Greg Zipadelli is going with him?
 
BobbyFord said:
Mark down Aug. 12, 2007 as the last Cup win for Tony Stewart. It will be a long time before Tony sees victory lane again.
No word if Greg Zipadelli is going with him?
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Stewart will win races. I say he'll win this Saturday now that this distraction is out of the way. He just won't win another championship. But I sure hope he proves me wrong.
 
In the past, owner/drivers haven't fared very well with few and far in between wins. I think Bill Elliott said it best when asked why. He said something like...it's hard to do everything and then keep your mind on the driving aspect. Also, it's hard not to think about keeping the car in one piece. However, Tony has been doing this, owning and opperating various racing ventures for a while now and seems to be doing pretty good. I wouldn't go out and on a limb and say that Tony will win any titles in the future, but I also wouldn't say that he won't. But he will have control over his future and if he doesn't like what is happening, he can do something about it, something that he really has no control over now.
 
buckaroo said:
But he will have control over his future and if he doesn't like what is happening, he can do something about it, something that he really has no control over now.
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Bingo.

Dale did it, except he didn't drive for his own team. But, Stewart can build a successful team driving for his own team. Kevin Harvick built a very strong team over there. I remember his pit crew screwed up 4 stops in one race with foolish mistakes, and he was driving. I remember after one of those races, Harvick was pissed and heads rolled. Nothing will add pressure and step up overall team performance than having your boss be the driver. Plus, it gives the boss of the team a good chance to level out where his team is at as far as performance goes and where they need to make improvements.

And Tony Stewart's not a softy like some of these other owner/driver teams are considered. If Tony ain't happy, no doubt about it, he WILL do something about it. Kevin and Delana have built up a successful organization, Dale and Teresa built up a successful organization.
 
I also read where Zippy and the crew will stay put at JGR as one of the stipulations of the release. JGR wanted the veteran team to support Logano.
 
So this means Joey Logano is going to the #20?
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With Kyle and Joey, JGR is gonna be unstoppable now, y'all know that, right?
 
Lap3Forever said:
Joey may prove me wrong, but may be a year or two, too early to move up.
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I agree.

and as was said, When the boss is the driver and hendrick is the support team..remember, haas is a hendrick satelite team. I'm sure tony will pony up any money needed to get the same quality engines and cars as the 88/24/48 shops have.
 
Magnethead said:
I agree.

and as was said, When the boss is the driver and hendrick is the support team..remember, haas is a hendrick satelite team. I'm sure tony will pony up any money needed to get the same quality engines and cars as the 88/24/48 shops have.
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The way they been running this year you can keep them HMS engines.

Robby is a softy? Right........

Tony is making a big mistake.
 
There's no way in hell kyle will let joey steal away his spotlight and if lagano starts runing better than kyle(which I doubt) Kyle will start whining like he did at hendrick.
 
Stewart to leave JGR, join Haas CNC as part owner
Formal announcement set for 2:30 p.m. ET Thursday
By NASCAR.COM
July 9, 2008
12:35 PM EDT

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

Joe Gibbs Racing announced Wednesday it 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.

"I cannot thank Joe and J.D. Gibbs enough for the opportunity they gave me and for the support they've given me throughout my entire NASCAR career," Stewart said in a team statement. "I've learned so much from them and have a tremendous amount of respect for what they've built.

Admiral move
Tony Stewart is taking a risk by, in essence, venturing out on his own. But in doing so he has a chance to secure a greater legacy, writes Joe Menzer.

Complete story, click here
Watch: Thursday, 2:30 p.m. ET
"I've modeled my USAC and World of Outlaws teams the same way they built their NASCAR team, and I made it a point to find good people to run those programs. If I've learned anything from my time at Joe Gibbs Racing, it's that Joe Gibbs' saying of, 'You win with people,' is incredibly true. They always surrounded me with not just good people, but great people, and the results speak for themselves.

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).

"We've had a lot of success with Tony in our 12 years here at Joe Gibbs Racing," said J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR. "While this moment is bittersweet, we're parting on good terms and we know that each of us has benefited greatly from the other.

"We grew to two teams in the Sprint Cup Series with Tony and The Home Depot in 1999, and two championships and 32 wins followed. While our time together is coming to an end, we know there's still a lot of racing left this season and we plan to make the most of it. On behalf of everyone at JGR, we're proud of everything we've accomplished together with Tony and we wish him the best in pursuing his dream of NASCAR team ownership."

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."

Stewart ran five races for JGR in 1997 in what is now known as the Nationwide Series while competing full-time in the IRL IndyCar Series. After winning the IndyCar Series championship in 1997, Stewart upped his Nationwide Series schedule with JGR to 22 races in 1998 in preparation for his rookie season in the Cup Series in 1999.

With a then rookie-record three Cup wins, Stewart collected Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors and finished an impressive fourth in points. After finishing second in Cup points in 2001, Stewart scored his first championship in 2002 by 38 points over Mark Martin. He followed that championship with another title run in 2005 when he beat Greg Biffle for the crown by 35 points.

Stewart's parting from JGR at the conclusion of the 2008 season will end the longest active driver/crew chief relationship in the Sprint Cup garage. Greg Zipadelli will remain as crew chief of the No. 20 Toyota in 2009.

"We've accomplished so much in our 10 years together on the track, and off the track, he's been like a big brother to me. It's a friendship I cherish and expect to continue, even while he stays at Joe Gibbs Racing and I move on," Stewart said.

"No matter what, Tony and I will remain close friends," Zipadelli said. "I know when it comes to the No. 20 team, things will obviously be a lot different next year, but I remain as committed as ever this year to winning races with Tony and securing our spot in the Chase to contend for a third championship."

Stewart currently is 12th in the standings, just two points ahead of Kevin Harvick.

"We can still win races and compete for a championship and go out on top. For 2008, that's my number one goal," said Stewart, who will also compete for JGR in the two Nationwide races still remaining on his original, nine-race series schedule -- Friday at Chicagoland and Aug. 16 at Michigan.

Speculation is that Nationwide 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.

"The 20 car has been one of the all-time great partnerships in NASCAR for the last decade with the combination of Tony, Zippy, The Home Depot and Joe Gibbs Racing," team owner Joe Gibbs said. "While we are losing one piece of the puzzle, we think the No. 20 team will remain strong for many years to come."

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.
 
My guess is Zippy crew chiefs one, maybe two more years and then heads to the front office.
 
Statements about Stewart leaving Joe Gibbs Racing: Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) and Tony Stewart have agreed to part ways upon the conclusion of the 2008 season. Stewart will finish the 2008 Sprint Cup season with JGR behind the wheel of the #20 Home Depot Toyota. Stewart will also compete for JGR in the two Nationwide Series races still remaining on his original, nine-race Nationwide Series schedule – July 11 at Chicagoland Speedway, and Aug. 16 at Michigan International Speedway. Stewart will pilot the #20 Old Spice Toyota in those two events.
“We’ve had a lot of success with Tony in our 12 years here at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR. “While this moment is bittersweet, we’re parting on good terms and we know that each of us has benefited greatly from the other. We grew to two teams in the Sprint Cup Series with Tony and The Home Depot in 1999, and two championships and 32 wins followed. While our time together is coming to an end, we know there’s still a lot of racing left this season and we plan to make the most of it. On behalf of everyone at JGR, we’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished together with Tony and we wish him the best in pursuing his dream of NASCAR team ownership.”
“I cannot thank Joe and J.D. Gibbs enough for the opportunity they gave me and for the support they’ve given me throughout my entire NASCAR career,” Stewart said. “I’ve learned so much from them and have a tremendous amount of respect for what they’ve built. I’ve modeled my USAC and World of Outlaws teams the same way they built their NASCAR team, and I made it a point to find good people to run those programs. If I’ve learned anything from my time at Joe Gibbs Racing, it’s that Joe Gibbs’ saying of, ‘You win with people,’ is incredibly true. They always surrounded me with not just good people, but great people, and the results speak for themselves. My crew chief, Greg Zipadelli, is the best example of that. We’ve accomplished so much in our 10 years together on the track, and off the track, he’s been like a big brother to me. It’s a friendship I cherish and expect to continue, even while he stays at Joe Gibbs Racing and I move on. I also want to thank The Home Depot. We’ve had a fantastic run with them, and it’s not over yet. We can still win races and compete for a championship and go out on top. For 2008, that’s my number one goal.”
Stewart’s parting from JGR at the conclusion of the 2008 season will end the longest active driver/crew chief relationship in the Sprint Cup garage. “No matter what, Tony and I will remain close friends,” Zipadelli said. “I know when it comes to the No. 20 team, things will obviously be a lot different next year, but I remain as committed as ever this year to winning races with Tony and securing our spot in the Chase to contend for a third championship.”
“The 20 car has been one of the all-time great partnerships in NASCAR for the last decade with the combination of Tony, Zippy, The Home Depot and Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “While we are losing one piece of the puzzle, we think the No. 20 team will remain strong for many years to come.”
Statement from Frank Bifulco, Chief Marketing Officer of The Home Depot regarding Tony Stewart’s departure from Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of the 2008 season: “The Home Depot has had a remarkable relationship with Tony Stewart and Joe Gibbs Racing since our sponsorship commenced back in 1998. With two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships and 32 race wins, Tony is a true competitor and an excellent ambassador for our company. Details regarding our future plans will be announced at a later date.”

Statement from Lee White, President and General Manager, Toyota Racing Development: "We fully support the decision of Joe Gibbs and J.D. Gibbs regarding this arrangement between Joe Gibbs Racing and Tony Stewart. We thank Tony and wish him the best in his future endeavors. He has been synonymous with Joe Gibbs Racing and has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success with the team. In our first year together, Tony has been a valuable asset to the Toyota program. We will continue to work diligently to get Tony and his Camry to 'Victory Lane' as often as possible in the Sprint Cup Series during the remainder of this season. Our hope is that he will be able to qualify for the 'Chase' and contend for another championship."(in part from Joe Gibbs Racing site)(7-9-2008)
 
tkj24 said:
It's too soon to move up Joey. I sure hope they don't do that in 2009.
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Why?

He can already beat Chase contending Cup drivers.

That's all the Nationwide Series is, Cup Lites.

And when he ran the ARCA race, he made everyone else look like fools.
 
AndyMarquisLIVE said:
Why?

He can already beat Chase contending Cup drivers.

That's all the Nationwide Series is, Cup Lites.

And when he ran the ARCA race, he made everyone else look like fools.
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And now he's making you look like a fool, not that you need any help. I can name you a ton of drivers who dominated in the lower series and didn't do squat when they went up to the Cup cars. And winning in the ARCA series...are you serious? It's almost a given when a top rated Cup team takes a car to the ARCA series and let's a newby drive that they will either win or come very close. Once again Andy, you are writing with your heart and not your brain.
 
buckaroo said:
And now he's making you look like a fool, not that you need any help. I can name you a ton of drivers who dominated in the lower series and didn't do squat when they went up to the Cup cars. And winning in the ARCA series...are you serious? It's almost a given when a top rated Cup team takes a car to the ARCA series and let's a newby drive that they will either win or come very close. Once again Andy, you are writing with your heart and not your brain.
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Kyle Petty won his very first race ever in a Petty ARCA car at Daytona.
 
I applaud Tony for doing something he really wants to do, which is own and run a cup team. He realizes he can't keep driving forever. He has also won two cups, will it really make much difference in his career of he wins one or two more as a driver? I don't think it would. But winning one as as owner would be a huge thing for his ego. It will take years for him to ever win a cup as an owner, but it is possible and his ego will tell him he can do it.
 
This is a truely monumental step for Tony --- out of the frying pan, into the fire. I wish him all the luck in the world, and will continue to cheer for him.

IMO, now that the decision has been made, we'll see a rejuvenated Tony. Like Dale, last year --- the stress of making the decision is gone. Yes, he'll have stress, but he'll be able to race with a lighter heart.

The stress of ownership is nothing new to Tony --- his sprint car teams seem to do well.
And Eldora certainly hasn't suffered. I think Tony has a gift for putting the right people in the right jobs and letting them do those jobs.
 
Logano Could Replace Stewart next Season: Joey Logano acknowledged on Wednesday that he is a candidate to replace Tony Stewart in the #20 Sprint Cup car at Joe Gibbs Racing next season. "It has been brought up a few times," Logano said as he arrived at JGR for a morning workout. Logano wasn't shocked to hear that Stewart will be released from his final year at JGR next season to pursue other opportunities. Stewart was scheduled to tell his team on Wednesday that this will be his last season, then announce on Thursday in Chicago that he has bought into Haas CNC Racing and will drive for that team with another driver -- Ryan Newman, according to sources, is all but a done deal -- next year. Stewart will unveil his new car with Office Depot as the primary sponsor at a news conference in Indianapolis in two weeks, sources said. Logano, 18, said he will focus the rest of this season on his Nationwide Series ride and hope to get into a few Cup races before the end of the year to prepare him for next season.(ESPN.com)(7-9-2008)

McDowell to Penske? There's still the issue of a replacement for Ryan Newman at Penske [in the #12 if Newman goes to Stewart Haas Racing], also rumored to be Casey Mears, but I [Yahoo's Bob Margolis] hear #00-Michael McDowell could be in play there as he's somehow lost favor with the Michael Waltrip folks.(Yahoo Sports)(7-10-2008)
 
SPEED will interrupt regularly scheduled programming tomorrow at 2:30pm/et for live coverage of a Tony Stewart press conference from the deadline media room in the infield media center at Chicagoland Speedway. Stewart is expected to announce his plans for 2009 and beyond. SPEED will interrupt a replay of the Sprint Cup Series race from Daytona, but will resume the replay at the point of interruption following the press conference. Also SIRIUS Satellite Radio will provide listeners around the country with live coverage of the Tony Stewart news conference tomorrow, July 10 at 2:30pm ET/1:30pm CT on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, channel 128. SIRIUS will air the full news conference live from the infield media center at Chicagoland Speedway, where Stewart is expected to announce his future NASCAR plans. SIRIUS NASCAR Radio's daily talk programming will air as scheduled before and after the press conference. Hosts will provide their thoughts and analysis of the day's news and invite fans to call-in with their reaction and opinions throughout the day.(PRs)(7-9-2008)
 
hope tony aint spreading himself to thin there. If this affects payout at the Dream or World 100 DLM fans will freak.
 
TexasRaceLady said:
This is a truely monumental step for Tony --- out of the frying pan, into the fire. I wish him all the luck in the world, and will continue to cheer for him.

IMO, now that the decision has been made, we'll see a rejuvenated Tony. Like Dale, last year --- the stress of making the decision is gone. Yes, he'll have stress, but he'll be able to race with a lighter heart.

The stress of ownership is nothing new to Tony --- his sprint car teams seem to do well.
And Eldora certainly hasn't suffered. I think Tony has a gift for putting the right people in the right jobs and letting them do those jobs.
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I sure hope that's the case and I think it just might be! :beerbang:
 
MRM said:
I'd like to see Stewart get the guy that's with the #20 NWS team. He's pretty good on calls.
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He's been great, but I have feeling that Gibbs wouldn't let him go if he still has time on his contract. I think he's been amazing this year.
 
"Big list of drivers"

Let that statement soak in. That's how silly this silly season is going to be.
 
Canadian GP said:
The announcement is live on Speed right now.
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They did a whole hour of Tony talking about it last night on Nascar Now. I wonder what's different with this press conference? I suppose I could go take my lazy butt out to the TV w/digital that gets SPEED and see. LOL :D
 
basscatcher89 said:
hope tony aint spreading himself to thin there. If this affects payout at the Dream or World 100 DLM fans will freak.
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"None of the current ventures will be affected because of this" is what Stewart just said about that very thing.
 
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