Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) will close its doors after the 2024 NASCAR season, a surprising and disappointing turn of events for fans and employees alike. The decision to shut down the team came as a result of Tony Stewart’s shifting priorities and Gene Haas’s already full schedule with other ventures. With a recent string of mediocre performances and the departure of their star driver, Kevin Harvick, the team owners concluded that ending operations was the only viable option.
The closure will affect 323 employees who now face the challenge of finding new jobs. SHR, a prominent four-charter team, employed a range of roles essential for its operation, including engineers, mechanics, and pit crew members. This development was initially reported by Joe Bruno of WSOC-TV, who uncovered a letter from SHR to the Department of Commerce detailing the closure terms. Although SHR will remain active until December 31, 2024, layoffs will start on November 11, 2024, giving employees a limited timeframe to seek new opportunities.
In light of SHR’s closure, some employees will transition to the newly named Haas Factory Team, which will continue with a single-car NASCAR Cup Series program and expand to include two NASCAR Xfinity Series cars. Gene Haas, who remains committed to NASCAR, plans to focus on this new team setup. At 71 years old, Haas continues to see NASCAR as a crucial platform for promoting his Haas Automation brand.
The news has sparked a strong reaction from NASCAR fans, many of whom blame Tony Stewart for the team’s dissolution and the ensuing job losses. One fan pointed out that Gene Haas had acquired Tony Stewart’s stake in the team, suggesting that Stewart was eager to exit SHR. Despite the backlash, fans are hopeful that the charters sold to other teams will provide some relief for the displaced employees by creating new job opportunities.
The Haas Factory Team has announced Joe Custer as their new team president and Cole Custer as their sole Cup driver. The team also revealed its Xfinity Series lineup, with Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer set to drive next season. Creed, who admired Cole Custer’s performance last year, expressed enthusiasm about joining the team and working towards winning races and championships.
While the formation of Haas Factory Team offers new prospects, the reality remains that 323 employees will face a significant job search. The transition will be challenging, especially since not all displaced workers may find new roles immediately. What are your thoughts on Tony Stewart’s departure from NASCAR and the future of the team’s employees?
