Tony Stewart, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner, was introduced Thursday at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill.
Tony Stewart.jpgWednesday it was announced that Stewart would leave Joe Gibbs Racing following the 2008 season. Thursday Stewart unveiled his plans for his future in NASCAR.
During a press conference at Chicagoland Speedway Stewart confirmed that he will join Haas CNC Racing as a driver and also will own a 50 percent share in the team, which will now be known as Stewart-Haas Racing.
"This is an incredible opportunity that allows me to race competitively in NASCAR's top division while carving out a place in this sport long after my driving career is over," Stewart said.
"I've won races and I've won championships and I know I could've continued to do that at Joe Gibbs Racing, but to attempt to do those things as a car owner is something that really appeals to me. There's a whole new sense of appreciation and satisfaction that comes with success when you're both a driver and an owner."
Stewart has raced for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Sprint Cup Series since 1999, winning championships in 2002 and 2005.
Team ownership is nothing new for the 37-year old Columbus, Ind. native. He also owns two USAC Sprint Car teams and two World Of Outlaws teams.
It was at last year's Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Ok., one of the biggest events in Midget Car racing, that Stewart said he first started thinking about Sprint Cup team ownership.
"I won that race back in 2002, but in 2007 I won in one of my own cars," Stewart said. "Making it even sweeter was that out of a total of 267 entries, Tony Stewart Racing placed two cars in the A-main. One of them won and the other finished 10th. The sense of satisfaction I had from that weekend was awesome, and I want to enjoy that same feeling in NASCAR.
"Stewart-Haas Racing will have everything it needs to be successful. The equipment is there to win races next year and in the years to come. I look forward to being an integral part of growing this team into a contender."
Gene Haas, owner of Haas CNC, began serving a two-year prison sentence for tax evasion in January. Haas CNC currently fields a car for Scott Riggs and has a second car that has been driven by various drivers this season. The organization is expected to be revamped from the foundation up with the arrival of Stewart.
"Tony Stewart is a proven champion, on the track and off," Joe Custer, Haas CNC general manager said. "He brings a track record of success to an organization owned by the world's largest machine tool manufacturer. And while Haas Automation has enjoyed great success in the marketplace, our racing operation has yet to achieve the same kind of success. Tony Stewart is a racer with a keen business sense, and we're proud and excited to have him as a key partner of our team."