Tony Stewart recently reflected on the difficult decision to close Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), a team he helped build from the ground up. Visiting the SHR shop one last time, he acknowledged that saying goodbye to people he’s worked with for 16 years was bittersweet.
For Stewart, though, the reality is harsher than that. “I don’t know that it’s even bittersweet. It’s more bitter than sweet,” he said on Kevin Harvick’s “Happy Hour” podcast. The decision, while necessary, weighs heavy on him.
Stewart emphasized that life changes, priorities shift, and external factors come into play, forcing tough calls like this. The SHR team achieved immense success, with 70 Cup wins and two championships under its belt, but changing circumstances made the decision inevitable. Despite the bitterness of the moment, Stewart stands by it, acknowledging that the time had come to step away.
Reflecting on the legacy of SHR, Stewart recalled pivotal moments like winning the 2009 All-Star race, which gave him a profound realization. Watching the team members in tears of joy, Stewart recognized that the team’s achievements weren’t just about him—they were about what the whole organization had built together.
This moment, in particular, shaped his understanding of teamwork and collective accomplishment, which made the decision to close the team even more difficult.
Facing sponsorship challenges and lacking manufacturer support, Stewart knew SHR could no longer operate as it once had. Though SHR will close, Gene Haas will continue racing under a new banner, Haas Factory Team, keeping a fraction of the staff.
Stewart felt the need to ensure that SHR’s employees were well taken care of, providing severance packages and helping many secure new jobs for the future. Over 80% of the team members have already found new opportunities.
Stewart doesn’t regret his decision to exit NASCAR ownership. The ongoing disputes between team owners and NASCAR, along with the struggle to secure consistent sponsorships, made his departure feel timely. While acknowledging the sport’s resilience, he expressed contentment with his current focus on other racing series.
Despite the difficulties of closing SHR, Stewart is confident this is the right moment to move on, and he is ready for the next chapter in his racing career.
