Deborah Walker
May 29, 2024 - 06:15

Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR Team Shutting Down at Season's End

Stewart-Haas Racing, a two-time NASCAR championship team, will close its doors at the end of the season after 15 years.

Stewart-Haas Racing, a powerhouse in the NASCAR world with a rich history of success, has announced that it will be closing its doors at the end of this season. This decision comes after much speculation and rumors surrounding the future of the four-car Cup team. Co-owners Tony Stewart and Gene Haas delivered the news to their employees, emphasizing the difficult nature of the decision and the demanding nature of the sport.

Since its formation in 2009, Stewart-Haas Racing has been a dominant force in NASCAR, racking up 69 Cup Series victories and two championships. The team has been home to top drivers like Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, and Tony Stewart himself. However, with the demands of the sport becoming increasingly challenging, the owners have decided that it is time to pass the torch and explore new opportunities.

The team currently fields cars for drivers like Josh Berry, Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson, and Ryan Preece. These drivers will now be looking for new homes in the Cup series as Stewart-Haas Racing closes its doors. The team has been a home for many drivers and employees over the years, and the owners are committed to assisting them in finding new opportunities beyond the 2024 race season.

In addition to the challenges within the team, Stewart-Haas Racing has also faced setbacks in terms of sponsorship and support. With major sponsors like Smithfield Foods and Anheuser-Busch exiting NASCAR, the team has had to navigate financial difficulties. The loss of support from Ford at the end of the season further complicates the future of the team.

As the team prepares to close its doors, there are many uncertainties surrounding the future of the drivers, the employees, and the assets of Stewart-Haas Racing. The fate of the team's charters, which guarantee entry into the field every week, is up in the air. Teams like Front Row Motorsports, 23XI Racing, and Trackhouse have expressed interest in acquiring these charters, adding to the intrigue of the situation.

Overall, the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing marks the end of an era in NASCAR. The team's legacy of success, championships, and crown-jewel victories will be remembered for years to come. As the sport continues to evolve and change, the impact of Stewart-Haas Racing on NASCAR will always be felt.