CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Stewart-Haas Racing, a two-time NASCAR championship team with 69 Cup Series victories since its 2009 formation, will close its organization at the end of this season.
Co-owners Tony Stewart and Gene Haas announced the decision after nearly a year of rumors that their four-car Cup team was looking to sell its charters and either scale back or exit the stock car series completely. The news was delivered to the nearly 300 SHR employees late Tuesday afternoon.
“It is a decision that did not come easily, nor was it made quickly,” the owners said. “Racing is a labor-intensive, humbling sport. It requires unwavering commitment and vast resources, with a 365-day mindset to be better than everyone else. It’s part of what makes success so rewarding. But the commitment needed to extract maximum performance while providing sustainability is incredibly demanding, and we’ve reached a point in our respective personal and business lives where it’s time to pass the torch.”
SHR this year fields Cup cars for Josh Berry, Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson and Ryan Preece. SHR holds the 2025 option on Briscoe and he has not been permitted to discuss future employment options even as rumors have swirled that SHR would close.
“Stewart Haas has been home to my family and I for the last 7 years and at the end of the year myself and the entire organization will be looking for a new home and new opportunities in the Cup series,” Briscoe posted on social media. “I have amazing partners behind me and can’t wait to get them back in victory lane.”
The move will also shutter the SHR Xfinity Series team, whose two cars are driven by Cole Custer and Riley Herbst.
Gene Haas founded Haas CNC Racing in 2002 and the California businessman lured Stewart in as a co-owner ahead of the 2009 season. Stewart in his 2009 debut season gave the rebranded team its first Cup victory and its first Cup title in 2011. Kevin Harvick added a second championship in 2014.
Stewart, Harvick and Clint Bowyer have all retired from NASCAR driving, and SHR since then has been in a grueling rebuild. SHR didn’t win a Cup race last season.
The team is set to lose some of its support from Ford at the end of the season. SHR also lost major sponsorship this season when Smithfield Foods exited NASCAR and Anheuser-Busch moved to Trackhouse Racing.
Haas spends most of his time with his Formula 1 team and Stewart is driving a full NHRA schedule, making both absentee owners at NASCAR events.
FAQ
1. What led to the decision to close Stewart-Haas Racing?
The decision to close Stewart-Haas Racing was based on a combination of factors, including the demanding nature of the sport and the personal and business lives of the owners.
2. What will happen to the drivers and employees of SHR?
At the end of the year, the drivers and employees of SHR will be looking for new opportunities in the Cup series as the organization closes its doors.
3. Will Gene Haas continue with his Formula 1 team?
It is unclear if Gene Haas will continue with his Formula 1 team or if he has plans to depart from F1 as well.
Conclusion
Despite the successes and accomplishments of Stewart-Haas Racing over the years, the decision to close the organization at the end of this season marks the end of an era in NASCAR. The legacy of the team will be remembered for its victories, championships, and the culture it built within the sport.
