Chase Elliott recently shared his thoughts on the legacy of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), the NASCAR team co-owned by Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, which will be closing its doors at the end of the 2024 season. While the news of the team’s closure may have disappointed many fans, Elliott’s comments offer a fresh perspective on what SHR has accomplished over the years, and his admiration for Tony Stewart as both a driver and team owner is clear.
Reflecting on Stewart’s impact, Elliott spoke about how SHR’s rise in the NASCAR world was nothing short of remarkable. He emphasized his respect for Stewart, not only for his driving skills but also for what he achieved as an owner. “My respect and admiration for Tony (Stewart) I think kind of raises my thought of that company and just what they did. I’ve always gotten along really well with him; looked up to him as a kid when I was watching him race,” Elliott said. His comments highlight the personal connection he feels to Stewart’s career, as he grew up watching Stewart dominate the track.
Elliott went on to explain how unique it was to see a driver-owner like Stewart achieve such success. In an era where most drivers focus solely on their careers, Stewart stood out by balancing both roles and pushing SHR to new heights. Elliott praised SHR’s ability to stay competitive in a sport where success is never guaranteed, noting how impressive it was to watch them build a reputation as a top-tier team. “There wasn’t a lot of driver-owners that had had success in the sport,” Elliott remarked, acknowledging how challenging it was for Stewart to make that dual role work.
While SHR’s recent decision to shut down is disappointing, Elliott pointed out that the legacy Stewart-Haas leaves behind is significant. “You hate to see him go, just because I think the overall health of our sport wants and needs healthy race teams,” he said, adding that SHR had always been a strong and healthy team in the NASCAR landscape. He cautioned against focusing only on recent struggles, urging fans to remember the impressive accomplishments of the team over the years.
Elliott’s admiration for Stewart runs deep, not just as a driver but as someone who shaped the sport. He recalled how, as a young aspiring driver, he looked up to Stewart and eventually got the chance to race against him in 2016, during Stewart’s final year as a full-time driver. For Elliott, racing alongside someone he admired growing up was a “pretty cool moment.”
In conclusion, while Stewart-Haas Racing’s chapter in NASCAR may be closing, Chase Elliott’s reflections serve as a reminder of the team’s lasting impact. From their impressive performances on the track to the leadership of Tony Stewart, SHR’s legacy will be remembered as one that helped shape the modern NASCAR era.
