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“I give these guys the tools to get the job done, and we just haven’t delivered in the last couple of years.” This was Tony Stewart’s blunt admission at the start of 2024. Stewart-Haas Racing, once a dominant force, had been struggling for nearly two years. The final blow came in May when Stewart announced that SHR would shut down after 2024. Yet, under mounting pressure, Chase Briscoe managed to pull off one last triumph for the team that had once been a championship contender.
“I feel like I perform better under intense pressure,” a visibly emotional Briscoe said after securing victory at the Southern 500. Unfortunately, Stewart wasn’t there to witness this pivotal moment for his team and tried to make up for his absence with social media posts. However, some NASCAR fans were not satisfied with his attempts to compensate.
Tony Stewart missed his team’s shining moment
Chase Briscoe rose to Tony Stewart’s challenge and proved himself on the track. His last Cup Series win was back at Phoenix in 2022. This year, he worked tirelessly, achieving 3 top-five and 7 top-ten finishes. After Stewart revealed SHR’s impending closure, Briscoe became the first driver to secure a future spot with Joe Gibbs Racing. However, he still needed that extra push to break his long winless streak, which he found at Darlington Raceway.
In the final thrilling laps, Briscoe crushed three competitors’ hopes. First, Kyle Larson, who seemed poised to win after leading most of the race and securing two stage victories. Then, Kyle Busch, who couldn’t catch Briscoe for a long-awaited victory. Finally, Chris Buescher lost his playoff spot as Briscoe became the 14th driver to qualify for the playoffs. Despite Tony Stewart’s absence, he tried to make amends—calling Briscoe and later tweeting: “The No. 14 is in Victory Lane and locked into the Playoffs. So damn proud of @ChaseBriscoe_14 and everyone at @StewartHaasRcng.”
Briscoe was deeply moved, especially for his team members, many of whom face uncertain futures. “For all 320 employees, everyone, to be able to compete for a championship in our final year, it’s unbelievable. This group, the day we found out the team wouldn’t continue, we all gathered on the shop floor and said, ‘We’re in this till the end. We’re not giving up.’”
NASCAR fans also celebrated this emotional victory for the dwindling SHR team but didn’t hold back from criticizing Tony Stewart’s notable absence.
Fans criticize the absentee team owner
Chase Briscoe’s win at the Southern 500 was a moment of redemption after months of hardship and struggle. Yet, fans couldn’t help but notice Tony Stewart’s absence, despite the pressure he had put on the team earlier in the season. One fan sarcastically pointed out Stewart’s focus on NHRA races, saying, “I’m sure you were glad to be there to see it. Just kidding, we know you can’t be bothered.” Stewart posted a heartfelt message about his team’s success, but another fan questioned, “Were you even at the track for your team’s big win?” Someone else added, “Were you there? Doubtful.”
Other fans were more subdued in their reactions to Stewart’s absence. One remarked that it seemed Stewart had given up on NASCAR, despite being a veteran Cup Series driver himself. “Really wish we saw you there, Smoke… I know it wasn’t expected, but it would have been amazing to see the O.G.” Another fan expressed disappointment that Stewart wasn’t there to witness his team’s success, asking, “Has Smoke even been to a race this year… :(”
Clearly, Tony Stewart, a 49-time Cup race winner, has lost some of his standing as a team leader. His attempts to congratulate his team on social media didn’t resonate with fans.