The NASCAR fanbase has responded to the recent developments concerning Stewart-Haas Racing, the team co-owned by Tony Stewart. The team has reportedly informed the North Carolina Department of Commerce that up to 323 employees will be laid off from their facility.
Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) was established in 2009 when Tony Stewart partnered with Gene Haas to take a stake in Haas CNC Racing. Since its inception, the North Carolina-based team has secured two Cup Series championships (with Stewart in 2011 and Kevin Harvick in 2014), one Xfinity Series title (with Cole Custer in 2023), and achieved 100 race victories across various NASCAR categories.
However, earlier this year, the team announced it would cease operations after the season-ending race at Phoenix Raceway in November. This decision is attributed to several factors, including a winless streak since Harvick’s 2022 victory at Richmond Raceway, and the loss of major sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch, Smithfield, and Hunt Brothers Pizza. Consequently, over 300 employees are expected to lose their jobs.
Motorsports journalist Adam Stern shared SHR’s notification about the layoffs on X, stating:
“‘Stewart-Haas Racing notified the N.C. Department of Commerce yesterday that up to 323 employees will be laid off at the team’s facility at 6001 Haas Way, about eight miles north of NASCAR track Charlotte Motor Speedway’ – @BizJournals.”
Fans quickly took notice of the news and expressed their views on the impending layoffs.
One fan commented, “I hate to hear they are no longer a NASCAR team, but it’s all about money.” Another lamented, “What a shame. A sad day indeed!” Others extended their support to the employees facing job loss, with one fan saying, “I hope those 323 employees can find work in NASCAR with another team.” Another added, “This is heartbreaking. Prayers they all find new jobs.” Another fan shared, “Thoughts and prayers for those that will lose their jobs due to the team’s shutdown. Hopefully, someone will come in and purchase or integrate employees into a new or other team.”
While Tony Stewart has not yet confirmed his future involvement in NASCAR, Gene Haas has. Haas has retained one Cup Series charter and rebranded the team as Haas Factory Team. The team will field one Cup car, driven by Custer, and two Xfinity Series cars, with Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer behind the wheels.
As for Tony Stewart’s current Cup Series drivers, their futures in NASCAR are also taking shape:
- Chase Briscoe, who joined SHR in 2021 to replace Clint Bowyer in the #14 Ford Mustang, has signed with Joe Gibbs Racing and will succeed the retiring Martin Truex Jr.
- Josh Berry, currently in his rookie Cup Series season, replaced Kevin Harvick in the #4 Ford after Harvick’s retirement last year. Berry has secured a deal with Wood Brothers Racing and will take over from Harrison Burton next year.
- Noah Gragson is in his first year with SHR and has achieved seven top-10 finishes and one top-5 finish. He is set to race for Front Row Motorsports next year alongside Todd Gilliland, as Michael McDowell will move to Spire Motorsports in 2025.
- Ryan Preece, in his second year with SHR, remains uncertain about his future as his landing spot for next year has not yet been confirmed.
