Stewart-Haas Racing fans faced their worst fears this week: Tony Stewart’s camp announced it would cease operations at the end of the 2024 season.
After a season full of championship highlights and heartbreaking blows, rumors that SHR would sell the charter became reality. But how could things go so wrong for a team that once regularly challenged Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports?
According to YouTube insider Eric Estep, the answer lies in that fateful offseason before Kyle Larson’s move to Hendrick Motorsports. While Larson’s decision has worked so far, it has not only cost Tony Stewart a promising driver, it could also open a Pandora’s box for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Did Tony Stewart’s interest in NASCAR fade away when Kyle Larson joined HMS?
When Tony Stewart left Joe Gibbs Racing to start his own team, no one could have imagined just how successful the venture would become. Just a few years after its inception, the team co-founded by Stewart and Gene Haas reached heights the driver-turned-owner never expected. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for SHR to show similarities to Icarus, a car that flew too close to the sun and felt its effects too badly.
Kevin Harvick’s recent attacks on Tony Stewart’s leadership signaled his waning interest in the sport. But considering what SHR was like just a few years ago, what could have gone so wrong? When veteran Clint Bowyer retired and left SHR at the end of 2020, Tony Stewart was left with a big job heading into the 2021 season. According to Estep, this was the moment when everything changed for SHR.
Eric Estep said in a new video: “I think 2020 was a pivotal year for Stewart-Haas Racing. When Clint Bowyer retired, many wondered if the No. 14 car would be a landing spot for Kyle Larson.” One of the most famous figures in American motorsports, Kyle Larson, was a free agent. Naturally, many fans speculated that he would be a perfect fit for the No. 14 car. Unfortunately, the higher-ups connected to Stewart-Haas Racing thought differently.
The source added: “Kevin Harvick was in the midst of a nine-win season at this point. Stewart-Haas looked like a very attractive target, but Kyle Larson ended up getting Hendrick instead.” Despite their best efforts to bring the multitalented star back home, Tony Stewart was stopped by SHR’s own partners. Estep highlighted Stewart’s Instagram comments that reveal what really happened: Ford did not approve of it. Ford rebuffed Tony Stewart’s attempt to acquire Larson, and Estep believes that loss caused the two-time champion to lose interest in the Cup Series.
There’s no guarantee that Tony Stewart would have been able to bring in Kyle Larson, but the SHR boss’ commitment was never the same after that. Estep adds, “That was the moment Tony Stewart’s interest in NASCAR disappeared. Days, weeks, months passed, and Tony Stewart met Leah Pruett and got involved in NHRA drag racing. Tony Stewart helped found the Superstar Racing Experience, an all-new short track series. Suddenly Tony Stewart was everywhere but on NASCAR tracks.”
In the seasons that followed, Tony Stewart’s animosity towards Stewart-Haas Racing’s performance only widened the gap. It got to the point where SHR’s bosses shifted the blame to the drivers and crew chiefs.
Unfortunately, after SHR lost the young talent Larson, it was only a matter of time before the team was forgotten. The departure of Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola last season put SHR in the final stages of winning. With Stewart-Haas Racing now out of business at the end of 2024, the question is what will happen to their charter, and more importantly, their junior driver lineup.
The ripple effects of Stewart-Haas Racing’s departure
With Stewart-Haas Racing stepping down from NASCAR next season, four charters are up for grabs. There are rumors that Front Row Motorsports is set to take over two of SHR’s charters. Bob Pokrass recently confirmed that FRM has indeed purchased the charters, so we can only assume that the charters belong to SHR. Additionally, Pokrass also highlighted other notable prospects for the remaining charters.
The veteran insider shared in a tweet: “Sources say Front Row, 23XI and Trackhouse will each receive one SHR charter. The fourth is even more unclear. “Legacy, RFK and JTG have all expressed interest in expanding, but I don’t believe any of them would be considered for the SHR charter (nor would JRM). As for Pocrass’ revelation, at least that’s what Eric Estep believes.” Half of the SHR driver lineup could also secure a spot for next season.
The most likely destination for Chase Briscoe seems to be Wood Brothers Racing. So far, Briscoe has only been outplayed at times by Noah Gragson, and could help bring the Wood Brothers back to life. As for the rest of the driver lineup, Front Row Motorsports may have not one but two SHR driver spots available. Eric Estep added: “Let’s say Cole Custer gets it, then what about Josh Berry? That was my prediction last week, but I’m still on board. Josh Berry is an experienced racer and has been doing really well lately.” That leaves only Ryan Preece and Noah Gragson unseated at SHR. Preece may not be eligible for the Cup Series for much longer, but Noah Gragson could reportedly sign a lifetime contract. Estep explained: “Noah Gragson will be in the Cup somewhere. Last week, The Athletic reported that Richard Childress Racing may be interested in purchasing Noah Gragson’s third charter. ” It’s fair to say there could be replacement drivers on SHR’s 2025 driver roster, but who do you think is most likely to miss the seat?
