Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site - Team Pages

#14 Team News and Links Page

The 2009 Paint Schemes - Click on Car to go to the #14 Paint Scheme page

#14 [was #70 in 2008] Team Past News and Rumors
(NOTE: some older links may not work)

2009 Races [2] that Burger King is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Daytona - July 4
Dover - Sept 27

2009 Old Spice / Office Depot Sponsor Schedule, which one on the hood
2/7: Bud Shootout/Daytona, Old Spice
2/15: Daytona, Office Depot
2/22: California, Old Spice
3/1: Las Vegas, Old Spice
3/8: Atlanta, Office Depot
3/22: Bristol, Office Depot
3/29: Martinsville, Old Spice
4/5: Texas, Old Spice
4/18: Phoenix, Office Depot
4/26: Talladega, Old Spice
5/2: Richmond, Office Depot
5/9: Darlington, Old Spice
5/16: All-Star, Office Depot
5/24: Charlotte, Office Depot
5/31: Dover, Office Depot
6/7: Pocono, Office Depot
6/14: Michigan, Office Depot
6/21: Sonoma, Office Depot
6/28: New Hampshire, Old Spice
7/11: Chicago, Office Depot
7/26: Indianapolis, Old Spice
8/2: Pocono, Old Spice
8/9: Watkins, Old Spice
8/16: Michigan, Office Depot
8/22: Bristol, Office Depot
9/6: Atlanta, Office Depot
9/12: Richmond, Office Depot
9/20: New Hampshire, Office Depot
10/4: Kansas, Office Depot
10/11: California, Office Depot
10/17: Charlotte, Old Spice
10/25: Martinsville, Old Spice
11/1: Talladega, Office Depot
11/8: Texas, Office Depot
11/15: Phoenix, Old Spice
11/22: Homestead, Office Depot

Three Race Tracks Tony Stewart has never won a Sprint Cup race at: There are three current race tracks the Cup Series runs on that Tony Stewart has not won at [a Cup race]:
California 0 for 16 with a best finish of 4th in 1999 & 2001
Las Vegas 0 for 11 with a best finish of 2nd in 2000
Darlington 0 for 17 with a best finish of 3rd in 2009
Stewart has won at 19 of 23 tracks he has raced on, didn't win at Rockingham which is no longer active for Cup racing.(5-9-2009)

Persistent Rain Postpones Fifth Annual Prelude to the Dream: Persistent rain has forced officials at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, to postpone the fifth annual Prelude to the Dream. The all-star dirt late model race has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9. A decision regarding the broadcast of the event will be made at a later date. The wet weather made it impossible to run the event that was slated to benefit four military-themed charities – Wounded Warrior Project, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Homefront and Fisher House. “We worked really hard to make sure everything was right for the drivers, fans and viewers at home on HBO Pay-Per-View, but the weather was the one element we couldn’t control,” said Tony Stewart, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and owner of Eldora Speedway. Those who have already purchased the Prelude to the Dream on HBO Pay-Per-View will be refunded. Those who purchased a ticket to the event can apply the value of their Prelude to the Dream ticket toward any remaining event on the 2009 Eldora Speedway schedule. To view the schedule, please visit www.EldoraSpeedway.com or call the track office (937) 338-3815. More info on my Racing Charities page - Prelude to the Dream section.(6-3-2009)

Contract Status: Sponsors: 200?; Driver: is part owner

Burger King sponsorship of Stewart kicks off at Daytona: Saturday Burger King Corp. will officially kick-off the company's sponsorship of Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing at Daytona International Speedway with the debut of the #14 Burger King Chevy. Burger King Corp. is teaming with TNT for the "Wide Open" race coverage of the Coke Zero 400 - allowing fans fewer interruptions during the race. BKC will feature two :60 ads in the lower third quadrant of the screen starring the King and Tony Stewart. This weekend also marks the first time race fans will have the opportunity to purchase Burger King branded Tony Stewart merchandise. The BKC/Stewart-Haas Racing sponsorship agreement, which was announced in January of this year, includes two primary paint schemes on the #14 Sprint Cup car, including this weekend at Daytona and for the September 27th race at Dover. The company also has a personal services agreement with Stewart.(Burger King PR), see image of the car on the #14 Team Schemes page.(7-3-2009) Comment here

Stewart has tough night in Late Model race: Tony Stewart's first visit to Thunder Road International Speedbowl in Barre, Vt. was upstaged Thursday by the guy who helped to give him a car to drive at the track. Joey Pole.jpgIt was the members of Joey Pole Racing that prepared Stewart's Late Model for his Thursday visit to Thunder Road and it was Joey Polewarczyk Jr. who ended up stealing the show at the CarQuest Governor's Cup 150. Polewarcyk, of Hudson, N.H., held off Nick Sweet on a late restart and over the final five laps for the win. It was the first victory at Thunder Road for, Polewarczyk, a regular the American Canadian Tour. Stewart started 16th but spun 35 laps into the race and struggled to recover, coming back to finish 16th in the 30-car field, one lap down.(Hartford Courant)(6-26-2009)

Congrats: to Mike and Lauren Sichette on the birth of Emily Starr Sichette, born on Saturday, June 20th at 8:08 pm 6lbs 8ozs. Mike is a fabricator at Stewart-Haas Racing.(6-22-2009)

Stewart-Haas to three teams? #14-Tony Stewart is off to such a strong first season as a team owner, he's already open to expansion. The Sprint Cup Series points leader said Friday he'd consider adding a third team to Stewart-Haas Racing next year if the right combination was available. Although he promised his team not to expand too quickly, their success so far this season has made him consider his options. "I wanted to make sure we had two cars that were competitive and had a chance to win a championship," he said Friday at Infineon Raceway. "I'm proud of the fact that I think we're at that point. So if the right situation came along, we would entertain it." Stewart did not offer any potential drivers or sponsors that would pique his interest. Of the current free agents, Brian Vickers is not looking to leave Red Bull Racing and Martin Truex Jr. is widely believed to be headed to Michael Waltrip Racing. That leaves Jamie McMurray as the only driver in a contract year still trying to finalize his 2010 plans. But, Hendrick Motorsports developmental driver Brad Keselowski wants a Cup ride next season and Hendrick doesn't currently have an open seat to offer. Stewart has a technical alliance with Hendrick. Then there's a handful of drivers - Kasey Kahne or Kurt Busch - who would potentially try to negotiate a release from the current contract for the opportunity to join SHR. Kahne and Stewart are both represented by Motorports Management Inc., which typically does not encourage its drivers from breaking their contracts.(Associated Press)(6-20-2009) Comment here

Stewart-Haas Racing Announces Technical Partnership: Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team co-owned Tony Stewart and Haas Automation, has formed a technical partnership with Sandvik Coromant. With its global headquarters in Sandviken, Sweden and its U.S. headquarters in Fair Lawn, N.J., Sandvik Coromant is the world’s leading producer of tools for turning, milling and drilling. This partnership with SHR allows the cutting tool company to become an official team sponsor, while providing SHR with all of its indexable tooling needs for its Haas CNC machines. Sandvik Coromant will add another dimension in technical expertise for SHR when it comes to finding machining solutions and employing the industry’s latest techniques. It also strengthens Sandvik Coromant’s relationship with Oxnard, Calif.-based Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder in the western world.(SHR)(6-12-2009)

Stewart wins at Pocono: #14-Tony Stewart won the Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway, his 1st win of 2009, 34th of his career, 1st in 19 races. Stewart won from the pole, even thou he started in the rear due to a backup car, but official results will show Stewart starting 1st. Stewart has now won at least one race every season for eleven straight years. Stewart is the first Owner/Driver to win a race since Ricky Rudd in September 1998 at Martinsville. Stewart is the 5th driver to win in the car #14, the last was Bobby Allison at Montgomery, AL in December 1968. #99-Edwards finished 2nd followed by #00-Reutimann, #24-Gordon, #39-Newman, #47-Ambrose, #42-Montoya, #31-Burton and #77-Hornish Jr. #51-Dexter Bean finished 36th in his Sprint Cup debut, four laps off the pace. Stewart maintains the points lead with 2043, 71 pts ahead of #24-Gordon. There were 22 lead changes among 12 drivers and 5 cautions for 20 laps.
For race results, awards and more on the Pocono Race Results Page
For drivers and owners points standings, see the Drivers/Owners Points Standings.(6-7-2009)

Stewart finishes 6th at Eldora: #14-Tony Stewart raced at his track, Eldora Speedway Saturday night and finished 6th in the 15th annual Dirt Late Model Dream, won by Jimmy Owens.(6-7-2009)

To the rear winners in 2009: in the first 14 races of 2009, four races have been won by drivers who had to fall to the rear of the field before the start, note: where the drivers qualified is their official starting position:
#17-Kenseth, Daytona 500, backup car [was to start 39th]
#18-Kyle Busch, Las Vegas, engine change [was to start 1st]
#09-Brad Keselowski, Talladega, engine change [was to start 9th]
#14-Tony Stewart, Pocono, backup car [was to start 1st]
(6-7-2009)

Interesting Stewart Stat: #14-Tony Stewart overtook #24-Jeff Gordon (26th) in the Cup standings. For the first time, Stewart-Haas Racing holds the points lead. The last time Stewart led the standings was after the Homestead race in 2005 -- his last championship season. In every season Stewart has led the standings, he has gone on to win the championship (2002 and 2005).(NASCAR)(6-3-2009)

Stewart looking to be the first owner-driver winner since Rudd: #14-Tony Stewart's win in the All-Star Race doesn't go down as an official win for Stewart-Haas Racing, so the team will still be looking for its first points win Sunday night. Stewart will also look to do something that hasn't been done in this millennium: win as an owner-driver. No owner-driver has won a points race since Ricky Rudd in the Tide Ride back in 1998. The last to do it before him was Geoffrey Bodine in 1996, when the upstate New York driver fittingly won at Watkins Glen. Bodine was also the only other owner-driver to win the All-Star race.
Most wins as owner-driver since 1990
Driver -- Wins -- Last Win
Ricky Rudd -- 6 -- 1998
Darrell Waltrip -- 5 -- 1992
Geoffrey Bodine -- 4 -- 1996
Alan Kulwicki -- 4 -- 1992
(ESPN)(5-21-2009)

Tony Stewart wins the All-Star Race: #14-Tony Stewart won the All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway, passing #17-Matt Kenseth with 2 laps to go, to capture his first All-Star race victory, becoming only the 2nd owner/driver to ever win the All-Star Race [Geoff Bodine was the other in 1994]. Kenseth held on to 2nd, followed by #2-Busch, #11-Hamlin, #99-Edwards, #5-Martin, #18-Busch, #20-Logano [vote winner], #26-McMurray and #88-Earnhardt Jr. pole sitter 348-Johnson finished 13th after getting involved in a wreck. Just after the green flag for segment 4, #48-Johnson got loose, #11-Hamlin got into the rear of the #48-Johnson, who slid but didn't hit anything, made a pit stop and started at the ear of the field. Since segment 4 only green flag laps count, the segment restarted. Three laps into the segment #24-Gordon [inside], #18-Busch [middle] and #39-Newman [outside] were going for the lead, Gordon slid up into Busch and got turned around a after sliding thru the grass, nosed into the wall and is done for the evening. The field reverts to the order of the last completed lap, so Busch led.
See the race and segment results on my Sprint All-Star Race Results page.(5-16-2009)

SHR fab guy wins race: Bobby Measmer Jr., a fabricator at Stewart Haas Racing won the Pro Late Model feature at Concord [NC] Speedway this past weekend, and is currently leading the points. Car is owned by Kevin Hughes, Team Services Manager at Racing Electronics and is sponsored in part by Bob Dillner of SPEED.(5-11-2009)

Haas released from prison: #14/#39 Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner Gene Haas was released from prison Friday after serving about 16 months for tax fraud and has received permission from a U.S. District Court judge to attend NASCAR races while on supervised release. Haas’ projected release was Sunday, but the federal Bureau of Prisons’ Web site indicated that Haas was released Friday. Haas was sentenced to two years in prison in November 2007 and entered a Lompoc, Calif., federal correctional facility Jan. 14, 2008. He has asked the court, and received permission, to attend NASCAR races while on supervised release. The first race mentioned in the motion is the upcoming Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Haas’ race team, Haas CNC Racing, eventually became Stewart-Haas Racing when driver Tony Stewart was given a 50% interest in the team.(SceneDaily)(5-10-2009) Comment here

Owner-Driver Breakthrough Victory could be at Hand for Stewart: You have to go all the way back to Sept. 27, 1998 to find the last time a driver-owner won an event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Ricky Rudd raced to victory that day at Martinsville Speedway. After eight races this season, #14-Tony Stewart appears poised to end that drought. Stewart comes into Sunday’s Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway fourth in the series points — and comes off a season-best second-place finish at Phoenix. Stewart, in his first year heading up the new Stewart-Haas Racing operation, has accelerated the progress of his team and now, he comes to one of NASCAR’s fastest tracks, the 2.66-mile Talladega tri-oval. The high-banked layout also happens to be the place where Stewart’s last previous NASCAR Sprint Cup win occurred. Last October, Stewart captured Talladega’s fall race — his final victory for his former team at Joe Gibbs Racing. Although he’s still after his first win as a driver-owner, Stewart has quickly developed a championship style consistency. Which means, for the first time since Alan Kulwicki’s magical march to the series title in 1992, the words “driver-owner” and “championship” are compatible when used in the same sentence. “This is the best start to the season that I’ve ever had in my career,” Stewart said. “The last three weeks have just been amazing. I mean, it’s been so much fun. We’ve been in contention. We’ve led laps. We’re doing everything right. It’s just a matter of time. We are consistent now and that’s the way you’ve got to be. We’re just clicking them off one at a time here. I don’t think any of us would have predicted we would be in the top five in points.”(NASCAR PR)(4-25-2009) Comment here

Revamped TonyStewart.com Unleashed on the Web: The 2009 racing season ushered in a new era in the career of Tony Stewart. The two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion has a new team, a new number and new sponsors. It’s only fitting that he has a new website – www.TonyStewart.com. The official TonyStewart.com has been redeveloped from top to bottom, coinciding with Stewart’s new role as a driver and owner with Stewart-Haas Racing, the two-car Sprint Cup team he co-owns with Oxnard, Calif.-based Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder in the western world.(TSC PR)(4-22-2009)

Stewart donates to help injured Shih Tzu: #14-Tony Stewart's charitable foundation has donated an undisclosed amount of money to pay surgery costs for an injured stray Shih Tzu dog. Around midnight on St. Patrick's Day, the three-year-old male was taken to the Humane Society for Hamilton County with a broken back, and he needed immediate surgery. Joni Thompson, executive director of the Indianapolis-based Tony Stewart Foundation, found out and told the driver, whose Shih Tzu, Buddy, died in 2007. The foundation made a gift to the Humane Society specifically covering the costs of the surgery and the dog's special "wheelchair" to make up for losing the use of his hind legs. Stewart's past philanthropic work earned him NASCAR Illustrated's "Person of the Year" honors last year.(Florida Today/AP)(3-22-2009)

Stewart trains with U.S. Army: #14-Tony Stewart stopped by Fort Knox on Thursday, March 19, 2009 to train with the troops. Stewart's NASCAR Sprint Cup team [#39-Ryan Newman] is sponsored by the U.S. Army. Stewart and NHRA driver Tony Schumacher spent a few hours with soldiers, getting a taste of Army life that hardly resembled the battles Stewart would wage with green plastic Army men in his parent's garden growing up.(ESPN.com/AP). See images at the Orlando Sentinel.(3-20-2009)

Stewart's Crew Grabs Tissot Pit Road Win in California: The #14 crew for Tony Stewart took top honors Sunday, winning the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award at the Auto Club 500 Sprint Cup race in Fontana, CA. Stewart's Old Spice/Office Depot Chevy spent the least amount of time on pit road (260.940 seconds) during the 250 lap, 500-mile race at Auto Club Speedway. The winning pit road performance helped Stewart to an eighth-place finish in the second race of the season. The #14 over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff "Gooch" Patterson (gasman), Scott Radel (catch can), Mike Casto (jackman), Kelly Kellis (front tire changer), Todd Drakulich (front tire carrier), Daniel Smith (rear tire changer), Mike Morneau (rear tire carrier) and Troy Welty (windshield). The team's crew chief is Darian Grubb and the pit crew trainer is Joe Piette. The Tissot Pit Road Precision Award pays $5,000 for each Cup race to the winning pit road team. In addition, the team with the most pit road event wins will be awarded a $100,000 bonus at the completion of the 36-race schedule by Tissot, the official watch and timekeeper of NASCAR.(DMF Communications/Tissot PR)(2-24-2009)

NASCAR Stars Back Off Resort Project: Three of the NASCAR celebrities who endorsed the Sheridan Ridge resort development have returned their lots, and the other two have drastically reduced the price paid, county records show. Quit-claim deeds recorded Dec. 30 indicate that drivers Denny Hamlin and Tony Stewart and crew chief Greg Zipadelli gave their lots back to Sheridan Ridge Private Reserve LLC, the North Carolina company formed in 2006 to develop a NASCAR-themed community in the [Southwest Virginia] region. Deeds of correction were entered the same date for their property as well as lots owned by driver Elliott Sadler and FOX Sports personality and former crew chief Jeff Hammond, reducing the price of each lot from $323,205 to $50,000 - just enough to cover the lot release fee. "Certain infrastructure improvements to the Property were never completed," according to the deeds of correction, "and the value of the Property on the recording date was actually $50,000." In what has been a controversial project from the start, Sheridan Ridge selected a 1,400-acre site on the steep slopes of Walker and Little Brushy mountains to build a multi-million-dollar residential development with more than 500 houses and a 53-acre "village center" featuring shops and amenities.(Bristol Herald Courier)(2-23-2009)

Stewart & Newman wreck in Happy Hour practice: #14-Tony Stewart and #39-Ryan Newman wrecked during the final Daytona 500 practice, tearing up Stewart-Haas Racing's two cars before Sunday's season-opening race. Newman, the defending Daytona 500 winner, lost his right rear tire Saturday and his car spun out of control. Stewart, his car owner, was trailing tightly around Daytona International Speedway and couldn't avoid running into him. Both drivers had to go to backup cars, and both were livid with Goodyear. They blamed the tiremaker for providing a poor product that cost them their race cars before NASCAR's biggest event of the year. "Same stuff that we always talk about every year, failures Goodyear has," said Stewart, who frequently takes the tiremaker to task. "I think that's part of their marketing campaign -- the more we talk about it, the more press they get. But, I think they forget it's supposed to be in a good way, not a bad way." Stewart, a two-time series champion, turned to the car he drove to a third-place finish in last week's Budweiser Shootout. But by going to a backup, he forfeited his fifth-place starting spot. Newman needed his second backup of Speedweeks: He wrecked two others since arriving in Daytona.(ESPN/AP)
AND Stewart is now driving Chassis No. 14-454, which is the car he drove to a third-place finish in last Saturday’s non-point Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. It is a carryover chassis from the former Haas CNC team, as it made its debut at Talladega in October 2007 with driver Johnny Sauter, who qualified 39th and led two laps before finishing 12th. It participated in winter testing at Daytona in 2008 before Scott Riggs piloted the car in the Daytona 500, where he qualified 27th and finished 21st. The #14 team was able to get some track time during final practice with Chassis No. 14-454. It will now be wrapped in Office Depot/Old Spice colors for the Daytona 500.
Ryan Newman is now driving Chassis No. 39-452. Its history consists of three restrictor-plate track tests in 2007, three Talladega races (fall 2007, spring and fall 2008) and one Daytona attempt. This car was tentatively slated as the backup for the #14 team if its Budweiser Shootout car was damaged in the race, hence the red paint. Once the #14 team’s Budweiser Shootout car emerged from the race unscathed, Chassis No. 39-452 was designated as a communal backup racecar for both the #14 and #39 teams should anything happen to either team during the remainder of Daytona Speedweeks. The #39 team was already using its designated backup car during final practice after crashing its primary racecar in the Gatorade Duel. The #39 team was unable to get Chassis No. 39-452 on the track during final practice. It will now be wrapped in U.S. Army colors for the Daytona 500.(True Speed Communication PR)(2-14-2009) Comment here

Foyt to be at Daytona 500 to support Stewart's debut as owner: A.J. Foyt will attend the 51st running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in support of Tony Stewart, who will be making his Sprint Cup Series debut as a driver/owner with Stewart-Haas Racing and his #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy in the season-opening race. When Stewart announced his plans to carry the #14 in honor of A.J. Foyt, the four-time Indianapolis 500 champion and 1972 Daytona 500 winner did an interview with Stewart on his SIRIUS Satellite Radio show, “Tony Stewart Live.” During the course of the interview, Stewart invited Foyt to be in the #14 team’s pits during the Daytona 500. Foyt accepted the invite and is making good on his word to attend.(A.J. Foyt Racing PR)(2-6-2009) Comment here

Burger King to sponsor Stewart for 2 races: Burger King Corp. announced that the company has signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing. As part of the sponsorship agreement, BKC has two primary paint schemes on the #14 Sprint Cup car which will be featured at the July 4th Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway and the September 27th race at Dover International Speedway. The company also has a personal services agreement with Stewart that includes appearances in commercials, restaurant promotions and at BKC sponsored events. "I'm extremely happy to welcome Burger King Corp. to the team and really proud to be associated with such a great brand," said Tony Stewart. "This demonstrates another important step in getting Stewart-Haas Racing ready for the season. I am a huge fan of Burger King restaurants, especially of the Whopper Sandwich, and even received my own customized BK Crown Card!" BKC will leverage the sponsorship both on and off the track, through comprehensive national marketing programs and promotions. "This sponsorship with Tony provides the perfect scenario to get back into NASCAR. His passion, both on and off the track, resonates very well with our core Burger King customers," said Russ Klein, president, global marketing, strategy and innovation. "We've long understood the power of NASCAR, and its millions of fans, and are looking forward to an exciting season." Additionally, BKC will be the exclusive quick service restaurant sponsor of Eldora Speedway in 2009, giving the company the chance to speak to fans on a grassroots level. Activation surrounding this sponsorship will include Burger King signage at the track, hospitality and other on-site activities.(Edelman/True Speed PR)(1-21-2009) Comment here

Stewart driving NNS race at Daytona for Hendrick: Tony Stewart will attempt to qualify a #80 HendrickCars.com Chevy prepared by Hendrick Motorsports for the Feb. 14 Nationwide Series race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Stewart, the defending winner of the Camping World 300, has won the season-opening event three times - twice with owner Kevin Harvick (2005 and 2006) and once with Joe Gibbs (2008). Should he qualify, the race will mark Stewart's first-ever start for car owner Rick Hendrick. The effort will be led by 2003 Nationwide Series champion crew chief Lance McGrew.(Hendrick Motorsports PR), see an image of the car on the #80 Paint Schemes page.(1-19-2009)

‘Smoke’ Rises from Fiesta Bowl Parade: No passing. That was the only rule Tony Stewart had to abide by in Saturday’s 38th Annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Thankfully, the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion sat far enough away from the steering wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette that he couldn’t break the one rule just days into the New Year. Instead, the driver better known as “Smoke” sat atop the trunk of the Corvette convertible waving to the crowd along the 1.9-mile parade route, dutifully fulfilling one of his primary duties as grand marshal of this year’s Fiesta Bowl, which features a Monday night match-up between the Big Ten’s Ohio State and the Big 12’s University of Texas.
“That was like driver introductions at Indianapolis times 10,” said Stewart, referring to the ritual of riding in the back of a pickup truck around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway before racing 42 other drivers for 400 miles. “This is a huge event and I’m just honored to be a part of it. It’s pretty cool to sort of venture outside our box a little bit and take in a game of this magnitude. With the racing season being what it is, getting away to see a college football game is kind of tough. When the Fiesta Bowl Committee called and asked if I was interested in being their grand marshal, I said, ‘As long as I get a ticket and a field pass to the game, I’m in.”
Stewart got that and then some. Announcing his presence in the parade were two brightly painted red #14 Chevrolet Impalas. One was emblazoned with Office Depot and the other with Old Spice, his co-primary sponsors for the 2009 racing season – Stewart’s first as a driver/owner with Stewart-Haas Racing, his new home after spending over a decade with Joe Gibbs Racing.
“Being grand marshal was also a great opportunity for our race team,” said Stewart, who is already an accomplished team owner in the U.S. Auto Club (USAC) and the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, where his teams have won nine championships – seven in USAC and two in the World of Outlaws. “It’s not everyday that we’re able to crossover into other sporting events, so to be able to do that and bring my team and sponsors a little extra exposure was a no-brainer. Plus, we’re going to be back out here in April at Phoenix International Raceway, and hopefully the time we spend here in January brings a few more people out to the race track in April.”(SHR PR)(1-4-2009)

Cicconi wins final race at Rumble: Lou Cicconi Jr. couldn’t wait to celebrate. So he yanked the steering wheel, stomped the throttle and began a dizzying series of 360-degree spins -- right there in the middle of the second turn, no more than two seconds after the checkered flag waved, with traffic bearing down on him. The 44-year-old East Coast standout reached a personal goal Saturday by beating NASCAR star Tony Stewart to win the 60-lap midget feature that capped the final night of the 11th annual “Rumble in Fort Wayne.” Forget champagne. Cicconi wanted donuts. “I was so excited,” the driver known as Liquid Lou said, still effervescent a half-hour later. “I’ve been thinking about this for a year -- beating Tony Stewart.” Stewart, the winner here on Friday, finished nearly a third of a lap behind in a race that went green all the way after a caution on lap 12. Jon Stanbrough finished third, giving Rick Daugherty the Rumble Series car owner championship, with Mike Fedorcak and Dave Darland completing the top five on the 1/6-mile indoor track at the Memorial Coliseum Expo Center. Stewart, whose resume includes two NASCAR titles and another in the Indy Racing League, had won six of the past nine races here and a record seven overall. Stewart, now owner of his NASCAR Sprint Cup team, confirmed that this was his only indoor racing appearance of the winter. He said he will attend the Chili Bowl Nationals next month in Tulsa, Okla., but won’t race due to other commitments.(Fort Wayne News Sentinel)(12-28-2008)

Stewart wins the Rumble: Tony Stewart made it three-in-a-row Friday, winning his third-consecutive 60-lap feature in the 11th annual “Rumble in Fort Wayne” indoor “Rumble Series” race in the Expo Center at Memorial Coliseum [Fort Wayne, IN]. See full stoty at the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.(12-27-2008)

Stewart visits ARCA banquet: been told that Tony Stewart was a guest of Roush Fenway Racing driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. during Saturday night's ARCA RE/MAX Series awards banquet in Cincinnati.(12-9-2008)

Tony Stewart Live on Sirius ending? UPDATE: Speculation after listening to the final segment of Tony Stewart Live [Sirius Satellite Radio] on Thursday night [Dec 4th] is the radio show may be ending after their Stewie Awards champions week show in December. The show has aired two years.(11-20-2008)
UPDATE: been told that the December 4th segment of Tony Stewart Live [Sirius Satellite Radio] will be the final show after a two-year run.(12-2-2008)

Stewart's Foundation Awards $20,000 To Indiana Racehorse Charity The charitable organization of Tony Stewart has awarded a $20,000 grant to Indianapolis-based Friends of Ferdinand, Inc. (FFI), a not-for-profit volunteer organization that works with owners and trainers at the state's two horse tracks to identify and obtain thoroughbreds that are nearing the end of their racing careers. Funds provided by the Tony Stewart Foundation will help FFI evaluate and retrain the horses, and find new, forever homes with devoted, caring owners. More than 200 horses have been transitioned from the track into new careers as show horses, dressage competitors, pleasure and trail riders, equine therapeutic program partners, pasture mates and beloved companions. Several thoroughbreds, the first horses to be christened "Tony's Ex-Racers," were brought into the FFI program Nov. 17 during the annual end-of-season paddock sale at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino in Anderson, Ind. Representatives of both Friends of Ferdinand and the Tony Stewart Foundation were on hand to take a look at available horses and select those destined to become "Tony's Ex-Racers." A total of 10 horses will be brought into the program as "Tony's Ex-Racers" - those obtained from the Hoosier Park paddock sale, and two or three others already in line to come off the track and into FFI's care.(IMS PR)(11-23-2008) Comment here

More Layoffs: nothing official but heard that Stewart-Hass Racing [formerly Haas CNC Racing] laid off 16 people Monday, November 17th. Also on Monday, a large layoff at #96 Hall of Fame Racing, supposedly due to lack of full sponsorship. Also, the current Hall of Fame Racing shop building is up for sale.(11-18-2008)
UPDATE: Wood Brothers Racing has downsized its Sprint Cup and Craftsman Truck Series operations [supposedly 25 people] effective immediately. The Wood Brothers expect to continue the 58-year tradition of the #21 Ford when racing resumes in February. "This economic downturn has been tough on everyone and racing is not immune," team owner Eddie Wood said. "What we're experiencing now is a dramatic correction but we will be geared up for the 51st running of the Daytona 500. We will be racing in 2009. We're just not sure what that schedule looks like at this time. We're going to do whatever is necessary to survive."(FoxSports)(11-18-2008)

Some spotter changes in 2009: Hearing that Earl Barban [currently at the #38 team] will be back as the spotter for #48 Jimmie Johnson and current spotter, Stevie Reeves will join Yates Racing and Paul Menard [will be the #98 team]. Bob Jeffrey, the spotter for #17 Matt Kenseth will join Stewart-Hass Racing to work with #14-Tony Stewart. Mike Calinoff, who started 2008 with #40-Dario Franchitti at Chip Ganassi Racing before the team shut down and has been spotting for #20-Stewart during The Chase, will return to Roush-Fenway Racing and work with #17-Matt Kenseth. Barban spent two years with Johnson previously and Calinoff was with Kenseth for six seasons, including the Championship season in 2003.(11-15-2008)

2009 Crew Chief for Newman? UPDATE 4 OFFICIAL: hearing that #8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. crew chief, Tony Gibson, will be Ryan Newman's crew chief on the #39 U.S. Army Chevy Stewart-Haas Racing team in 2009.(10-21-2008)
UPDATE: Longtime Richard Childress Racing team executive Bobby Hutchens confirmed Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway that he has a contract offer to become general manager at Stewart Haas Racing. "I have an opportunity with Stewart Haas," Hutchens said as he walked through the garage toward pit road prior to the Dickies 500. "I'll make a decision here in a couple days." Several sources close to SHR, Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. -- Hutchens' current employer -- told ESPN.com that Hutchens had already signed a contract with Stewart Haas, but Hutchens said otherwise. "Nothing is signed," Hutchens said.(ESPN.com)(11-3-2008)
UPDATE 2: hearing that Stewart-Haas Racing will make an announcement at Homestead-Miami Speedway about Newman's crew chief and the general manager/competition director for the team.(11-7-2008)
UPDATE 3: during SPEEDtv's NASCAR Raceday, Wendy Venturini reported that #43 crew chief, Jeff Meendering, will be Tony Stewart's car chief on the #14 Stewart-Hass Racing Chevy in 2009 and that rumor has it that Tony Gibson will leave DEI and be #39-Newman's crew chief, plus bring along the complete #8 DEI pit crew.(11-9-2008)
UPDATE 4: Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) announced today that two NASCAR industry veterans will take leadership positions with the team. Bobby Hutchens, formerly the vice president of competition at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI), will serve as SHR’s director of competition. Tony Gibson, currently the crew chief for DEI’s #8 team, will continue in the crew chief role, but with SHR’s #39 U.S. Army team and driver Ryan Newman. “These are two really important hires for our race team,” said Tony Stewart, co-owner of SHR. “Bobby Hutchens brings a ton of technical and management experience to SHR, and Tony Gibson has helped a lot of well-known drivers earn their recognition by getting them to victory lane. I’m very proud to have both of these guys as a part of my team.”
Hutchens, who has a mechanical engineering degree from North Carolina State University, comes to SHR with 20 years of experience at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series level. A longtime member of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and its #3 team with driver Dale Earnhardt, Hutchens was a part of four championships (1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994) and numerous victories, including the 1998 Daytona 500. The Winston-Salem, N.C., native was promoted to general manager of RCR in 1998, director of competition in 2001 and vice president of competition in 2004. His duties were expanded in 2005 to include oversight of RCR’s expansive research and development program, a role which transitioned Hutchens nicely to his 2007 appointment as general manager of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines. In August of this year, Hutchens became vice president of competition at DEI.
“Stewart-Haas Racing has an incredible amount of potential, and to be an integral part of what we all believe can be a championship-winning organization was an opportunity I could not turn down,” said Hutchens, who in addition to leading race teams, used his mechanical expertise to help develop the Hutchens Device, a head-and-neck restraint system used in motorsports. “It’s important that a race team’s front office is in sync with what’s happening on the shop floor, and having lived in both worlds, I’m committed to making Stewart-Haas Racing a strong and efficient operation.”
Gibson has been a crew chief in the Sprint Cup Series since 2002, working with such drivers as Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Steve Park and Michael Waltrip. Prior to becoming a crew chief, Gibson served as car chief for such notable drivers as four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon, 1992 Sprint Cup champion Alan Kulwicki and 1988 Sprint Cup champion Bill Elliott. Gibson was there for three of those aforementioned title runs – two with Gordon in 1998 and 2001 at Hendrick Motorsports, and one with Kulwicki, who like Stewart, was also a driver/owner.
“I’ve known Tony a long time and have always respected him as a racer and as a person,” said Gibson, who grew up in Daytona Beach, Fla., and began his racing career working on his family’s team, with his father Bo serving as crew chief and his brother Mark driving – a trio that won the 1978 track title at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway. “He understands people, works well with them, and genuinely wants to see them succeed. And he’s smart enough to know that their success is also his success. He’s building an impressive race team, and I’m very happy to be a part of it and I look forward to working with him and Ryan.” In addition to being an extremely dedicated racer, Gibson is an equally avid outdoorsman, a trait that puts him in lockstep with his new driver. “Tony (Gibson) and I have talked as much about racing as we have about hunting and fishing,” said Newman, the reigning Daytona 500 winner. “I feel like we’re already on the same page, so to speak. I’m not sure who’s more excited about next year – him or me.”(TSC/SHR PR)(11-14-2008) Comment here

Stewart named parade grand marshall for Fiesta Bowl: Two-time Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 38th Annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. As grand marshal, Stewart will not only lead this year’s Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade, but will also serve as a special guest at the 38th Annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Monday, January 5, 2009, where he will participate in the pre-game festivities and coin toss. The 38th Annual Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. in central Phoenix. This year’s theme, “Spirit of the Southwest,” honors the essence of Arizona’s breathtaking desert landscapes and unique cultural heritage. Reserved seating for the Parade is $25 and is available by calling the Fiesta Bowl Ticket Office at 480-350-0911 or by visiting www.fiestabowl.org.(True Speed Communications PR)(11-8-2008)

Hunt Bros Pizza & State Water Heaters hope to be back in 2009: There’s been a dearth of new companies coming into NASCAR recently. But Hunt Brothers Pizza (HBP), which joined with Haas-CNC Racing [#66 & #70] in what was termed a “sponsorship test” in 2008, apparently liked what it saw. “HBP plans on participating in the 2009 racing season,” says Malea Barron of Hunt Brothers PR firm Gish, Sherwood and Friends. “However, at this time, HBP has not signed a contract with a team.”
Can current Haas-CNC driver Scott Riggs stay in the Sprint Cup Series by bringing his sponsor to a new team? Apparently State Water Heaters has some interest in that scenario. “We are still working on our plans for ’09,” says Jeff Storie, the brand manager for State Water Heaters. “Scott has been a great asset for us and many of our hard-working plumbing contractors have enjoyed spending time with him. I hope we can remain together next year but we haven’t reached anything final at this point.”(Long Island Press)(11-8-2008)

Sauter back in the #70 at Phoenix: Johnny Sauter will replace Tony Raines in the #70 Haas CNC Racing Chevy at Phoenix International Raceway. Sauter, who has three top-10s in 75 career Cup starts, has a pair of ninth-place finishes at the track but will need to make the race based on qualifying speed. “It’s been a good race track for me,” Sauter said. “It’s a place I always look forward to going. It’s a good short track. It races well for me. I relish the opportunity to go there.” Sauter started the 2008 season driving for Phoenix Racing in the Nationwide Series, but he and the team parted ways after five races. He has 12 Nationwide starts and eight Cup starts this year. Obviously still looking for a 2009 ride, Sauter hopes to find something in one of NASCAR’s three national series next year, including the Truck series, which he has never competed in a full-time basis.(SceneDaily)(11-4-2008) Comment here

Hutchens has offer from Stewart Haas: Longtime Richard Childress Racing team executive Bobby Hutchens confirmed Sunday at Texas Motor Speedway that he has a contract offer to become general manager at Stewart Haas Racing. "I have an opportunity with Stewart Haas," Hutchens said as he walked through the garage toward pit road prior to the Dickies 500. "I'll make a decision here in a couple days." Several sources close to SHR, Richard Childress Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. -- Hutchens' current employer -- told ESPN.com that Hutchens had already signed a contract with Stewart Haas, but Hutchens said otherwise. "Nothing is signed," Hutchens said.(ESPN.com)(11-3-2008) Comment here

Haas CNC Racing to Pay Tribute to Haas Automation: The final race of the 2008 Sprint Cup season also marks the last time Haas Automation Inc. will carry primary sponsorship for Haas CNC Racing and the team is commemorating the occasion by running a special paint scheme featuring the machine tool manufacturer’s 25th Anniversary. “Haas Automation is an amazing example of American ingenuity and we are honored to mark the company’s 25th Anniversary with a special paint scheme at Homestead,” said Joe Custer, Haas CNC Racing general manager. “As the team transitions to Stewart-Haas Racing, this is a simple way for us to thank Haas Automation for their support during the past six years. While Haas Automation will continue its ownership role with the new team, their capacity as sponsor will be reduced.” Founded in 1983, Haas Automation Inc. has grown to become the world’s leading manufacturer of computerized numerical control (CNC) machine tools – building, selling and shipping more machines per month than any other single builder in the Western World. Haas manufactures its products in the company’s 1-million-square-foot facility in Oxnard, Calif., and distributes them through a worldwide network of more than 140 Haas Factory Outlets. Each HFO has complete showroom facilities, factory-trained service personnel, extensive spare-parts inventories and fully stocked service vehicles to provide the industry’s best service and support. Currently there are more than 88,000 Haas CNC machines and 51,000 Haas rotary products in use around the world. In 2008, the company will build more than 14,000 machines, with approximately 60% of them shipping to international markets. (Haas CNC Racing PR), Tony Raines will drive the car, see an image on my #70 Team Schemes page.(10-29-2008) Comment here

2009 Crew Chief for Newman? hearing that #8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. crew chief, Tony Gibson, will be Ryan Newman's crew chief on the #39 U.S. Army Chevy Stewart-Haas Racing team in 2009.(10-21-2008) Comment here

Army to Newman? UPDATE: sources said Army is close to finalizing a deal to be a partial co-sponsor of Ryan Newman's [#39 Chevy] car at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009.(ESPN.com)(9-12-2008)
UPDATE: Sources close to the situation confirmed today that the U.S. Army would not be renewing their sponsorship with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. after the 2008 season. Representatives from the U.S. Army let Dale Earnhardt, Inc. know this afternoon that they would not be returning to the #8 for 2009. Beginning in 2009 the U.S. Army will be the primary sponsor of Ryan Newman in the newly formed Stewart-HAAS Racing venture led by two-time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart. The formal announcement will be delivered at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Friday October 10th when Stewart-HAAS Racing and the U.S. Army unveil Newman’s new #39 racecar. Sources also said that representatives from the U.S. Army have asked Dale Earnhardt, Inc. for permission to make the announcement, and that the U.S. Army did not have an interest in negotiating with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. about future opportunities.(Captain Thunder Racing)(9-30-2008) Comment here

iQ Drive sponsoring #70 for 2 races: HAAS CNC Racing announced that iQ Drive will sponsor the #70 Chevy in two Sprint Cup Series races. The brand will make its debut at Talladega Superspeedway and conclude the 2008 campaign at Texas Motor Speedway. Developed by NORDYNE Inc., iQ Drive is the most energy efficient domestic air-conditioning product. No other air conditioner rivals its efficiency, product size, quiet performance and humidity control in one complete system. NORDYNE offers iQ Drive technology in both the Maytag and Frigidaire heating and cooling product lines, both available through Coburn Supply Company.(Haas CNC Racing PR), see images of the scheme on my #70 Team schemes page.(9-25-2008) Comment here

Loomis Courted by Stewart-Haas UPDATE Loomis says no: Sirius Speedway has learned that Petty Enterprises Vice President of Racing Operations Robbie Loomis is now at the top of Stewart-Haas Racing’s wish list, as they attempt to hire a new Vice President/General Manager. Red Bull Racing’s Jay Frye recently turned down the job in favor of remaining in his current position, and sources says Stewart-Haas is now interested in talking with Loomis.(Motorsports Soapbox)(9-20-2008)
UPDATE: Petty Enterprises vice president of racing operations Robbie Loomis said he is not entertaining an offer from Stewart-Haas Racing. Loomis' name surfaced when Jay Frye opted to remain general manager at Team Red Bull. "All of my interests are to continue to do what I'm doing, and that is get the #43 back in Victory Lane," Loomis said. "All of my focus is here with Petty Enterprises." (ESPN)(9-21-2008) Comment here

Frye to stay at Red Bull: Jay Frye announced in a team meeting Tuesday that he has agreed to remain as the general manager of NASCAR’s Team Red Bull [#83-Vickers, #84-Allmendinger]. In an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Sports, Frye expressed his desire to continue the course he’s laid out for the fledgling stock-car organization. “I’ve been given a unique opportunity to build this team into something great,” said Frye, who has been at the helm of the two-car Sprint Cup team owned by the Austrian energy-drink giant since January. Frye’s decision puts to rest any speculation that the Rick Hendrick protégé would leave Red Bull to take a similar position at Stewart Haas Racing. When asked about the Stewart Haas offer, Frye replied, “I’ve always wanted to stay here. I love where I’m at. This is the perfect job.” After meeting with Red Bull executives in Austria two weeks ago, Frye left convinced of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz’s strong commitment to building the NASCAR organization into a championship contender.(Yahoo Sports)(9-16-2008) Comment here

Grubb to be Stewart's Crew Chief in 2009 UPDATE 2: Darien Grubb, engineering manager for Hendrick Motorsports' #5 and 88 Chevys, is the lead candidate for the crew chief position for Tony Stewart's #14 Chevy in 2009, sources close to Stewart-Haas Racing told ESPN.com on Saturday. Grubb, those same sources said, has been offered a contract. Stewart-Haas officials declined to comment Saturday. If Grubb ultimately opts to accept Stewart-Haas' offer, it would add yet another layer to the Hendrick/Stewart-Haas relationship. SHR will run Hendrick chassis and engines -- as Haas/CNC Racing currently does -- and having an established Hendrick disciple in-house would only increase the crucial line of communication between the two organizations.(ESPN.com)(8-16-2008)
UPDATE: Tony Stewart says he has signed a new crew chief for his Stewart-Haas racing #14 Chevy for next season but could not yet reveal who it is. Answering questions from race fans at Texas Motor Speedway Tuesday night, Stewart told the crowd the deal was done Monday evening. Stewart also says he has a verbal commitment from a sponsor for his second car and driver Ryan Newman, but the deal is not quite ready to be announced.(PRN's Garagepass)(8-28-2008)
UPDATE 2: Tony Stewart took a big step Friday toward upgrading the personnel at Stewart-Haas Racing next season. Darian Grubb will move from his role as engineering manager at Hendrick Motorsports to crew chief for #14-Stewart. "This is another key step in the equation of us getting on our feet next year and getting pointed in the right direction," Stewart said from the infield media center at Richmond International Raceway. "We've got a team leader now, somebody I feel very confident and comfortable with." "It's a very huge moment for me, everything I've looked forward to in my life," said Grubb, a native of Floyd, Va. "Just to get the opportunity with Tony, the capability he has as a driver and past champion, the future heading forward is very bright." Stewart has yet to name a crew chief for teammate #39-Ryan Newman. He declined to comment on whether Jay Frye, the general manager at Team Red Bull, would be coming to his team in a similar role. "When we have something to tell you, we'll tell you," he said.(ESPN.com)(9-5-2008) Comment here

Hunt Brothers Pizza to Participate in Chevy Rock and Roll 400 The #70 Hunt Brothers Pizza Chevrolet will make its next appearance at the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 at Richmond International Speedway Saturday, September 6. Johnny Sauter will steer the Hunt Brothers Chevy under the bright lights of “America’s Premier Short Track.” Hunt Brothers Pizza will serve as a secondary sponsor on the #66 car driven by Scott Riggs at Richmond as well. “The Hunt Brothers car has made some very positive finishes this season during the first year of our NASCAR sponsorship,” said Scott Hunt, executive of Hunt Brothers Pizza. “We look forward to improving our standing for the remainder of the season and sharing our brand with the millions of faithful NASCAR fans next year as well.” To celebrate their NASCAR partnership, Hunt Brothers is sponsoring a Free Fill-Up Sweepstakes. Through October 27, 2008, visitors to www.freegasfreepizza.com will have the opportunity to sign up for a chance to win free gas and free pizza for a year.(PR), see images of the #70 and #66 Hunt Brothers Pizza car on my #70 Team Schemes page and #66 Team Schemes page.(9-5-2008)

Jay Frye offered position at Stewart Haas: Longtime Sprint Cup Series team executive Jay Frye [currently with Red Bull Racing] has been offered a contract by Stewart Haas Racing, and is mulling a departure from Team Red Bull before season's end to accept a management position at SHR, ESPN.com has learned. Sources close to Stewart Haas confirmed Monday that Frye is the man they've targeted to run the organization's day-to-day operations. He is expected to accept, sources said, and would be titled vice president/general manager.(ESPN.com)(9-1-2008) Comment here

Sauter has Cup ride for next 4 races: Johnny Sauter has a full schedule in the coming weeks of NASCAR Sprint Cup competition. Sauter will pilot the #08 FUBAR Dodge this week at Bristol and next week at Auto Club Speedway. Then, he will get back behind the wheel of the #70 Haas CNC Racing Chevy for the following two events at Richmond and New Hampshire. "I'm definitely looking forward to the next few weeks of racing," Sauter said. "As a driver, I'm just happy people think of me when they have openings to fill, whether it be for a few races or a single event. I'm still looking for a full time opportunity in 2009, but in the meantime I'm happy to be busy and just thankful for the chance to contribute to these organizations."(PR)(8-21-2008) Comment here

Hunt Borthers scheme back at Bristol: The Hunt Brothers Chevrolet will make its next appearance under the lights of the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile” during the Sharpie 500 August 23, 2008, at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The #70 car will be driven by Tony Raines. Hunt Brothers will also launch its Free Fill-Up Sweepstakes at Bristol. Beginning August 23, 2008, visitors to www.freegasfreepizza.com will have the opportunity to sign up for a chance to win free gas* and pizza** for a year. Hunt Brothers Pizza will also serve as a secondary sponsor on the #66 car driven by Scott Riggs.(PR), see an image of the scheme on my #76 Team Schemes page.(8-21-2008)

Subway to sponsor Edwards in 2009? U.S. Army? Subway is completing a deal with #99-Carl Edwards that will make the ultra-fit NASCAR driver a spokesman for the big-spending restaurant chain, industry sources said. Subway is expected to be the primary sponsor for Edwards' #99 Ford in three Sprint Cup races next year and sign him to a personal-services agreement to use him in its advertising. The three-race primary sponsorship will run Subway about $2.25 million. Terms on the personal services agreement were not available. Edwards could end up replacing driver Tony Stewart, who has pitched for Subway since late 2006, and whose contract with the brand ends this year. Stewart has been prominent in Subway's advertising, but it is uncertain whether the company will continue with that relationship. Subway went to Aflac, Edwards' primary sponsor on the #99 car beginning in 2009, to broker the deal. Aflac is replacing Office Depot as Edwards' chief sponsor in a three-year deal with Roush Fenway Racing that is worth $26 million a year. But Aflac is working with its agency, Career Sports & Entertainment, Atlanta, to sell off a portion of those races. Aflac has been negotiating with U.S. Army to take anywhere from nine to 12 races. Those go for about $750,000 a race, sources say. One of Subway's three races with Edwards is expected to be the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix next spring. Subway will be an associate sponsor on the #99 car the rest of the season.
The deal comes as Stewart is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to start Stewart-Haas Racing and drive the #14 Chevrolet sponsored by Office Depot. Stewart Haas will field two cars next year, the #14 and #39, and sources say Stewart has been negotiating with Burger King for the #39 car, which will be driven by Ryan Newman. A Burger King deal would create a category conflict with Subway, in which case Subway would not renew with Stewart, sources said.(Sporting News/SportsBusiness Journal.)(8-19-2008) Comment here

Newman's 2009 plans to be announced Friday? UPDATE Official: #12-Ryan Newman will be introduced as the second driver at Stewart-Haas Racing on Friday at Michigan International Speedway, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com on Wednesday. Newman reached a verbal agreement with Tony Stewart a few weeks ago, but details about his sponsor and other contractual details had to be ironed out before the deal could be officially announced. Stewart, who recently took over 50% of Haas CNC Racing, will drive the #14 sponsored by Office Depot and Old Spice. Newman will drive the #4, with Burger King, U.S. Army and UPS being mentioned as potential sponsors. Newman also was pursued by Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and Petty Enterprises after announcing he would not return to Penske Racing next season. Newman will be reunited with Matt Borland, now the competition director at Stewart-Haas. Borland was Newman's crew chief at Penske for 12 of his 13 Cup victories. Attempts to reach Newman and Stewart were unsuccessful.(ESPN.com)(8-13-2008)
UPDATE: Stewart Haas Racing announced the Ryan Newman would be the driver of their 2nd team, the #4 Chevy. No sponsor or crew chief was announced. Newman said the contract is multi-year, but no exact term mention.(8-15-2008)
UPDATE 2 - the press release: Stewart-Haas Racing has signed Ryan Newman to a multi-year contract to drive the team's #4 Chevrolet beginning with the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season. Newman, winner of 13 Sprint Cup races, including this year's Daytona 500, will be a teammate to Tony Stewart, the two-time Sprint Cup champion who will drive the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet in 2009. The announcement pairs two Indiana natives and two former United States Auto Club (USAC) champions under one roof. "We're obviously very excited to have Ryan join our team," said Stewart, who will serve as both driver and owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, with Stewart owning Newman's #4 entry. "Long before Ryan came to NASCAR, I knew he was talented. His success in USAC has continued in stock cars, and to have someone of his caliber as my teammate makes both the driver part of me and the owner part of me very happy."
"All I want to do is win, and Tony is a proven winner as both a driver and a team owner," Newman said. "Tony is a racer who has seen all sides of this sport. He knows what it takes to win, and I know that he's going to give me everything I need to be successful. We share the same goals, the same background and the same mindset. There's a comfort level at Stewart-Haas Racing that's very unique, and it's why I've made it my new home." Newman, who enjoys fishing and restoring vintage cars, resides in Statesville, N.C., with his wife, Krissie.(True Speed Communications PR)(8-15-2008) Comment here

Haas "In Good Standing" With NASCAR: Often lost in the circumstances involving the formation of Stewart Haas Racing is the fact that one of those two namesakes currently resides in federal prison. But unlike Michael Vick--who may face further discipline from the NFL following his release--Gene Haas will be welcomed back into NASCAR with open arms. "He's in good standing with NASCAR, that's all they told us, and that's all we need to know," team General Manager Joe Custer told the Press Sunday morning. Haas reported to prison in January to serve a two-year term after pleading guilty to one count of tax fraud. That followed a plea bargain resulting in the dismissal of several charges, which included reporting false race team expenses. "They were dropped," Custer said of charges related to the race team. "That's the point. It they're dropped, they're not an issue." Stewart was unable for comment, as his spokesperson, Mike Arning, cited the driver's interest in focusing on his current team, Joe Gibbs Racing.(see full story at Long Island Press)(8-4-2008) Comment here

Newman Commits to Stewart-Haas? UPDATE 2: hearing that Ryan Newman has agreed in prinicipal to drive for Stewart Haas racing in 2009.(7-30-2008)
UPDATE: Ryan Newman has reached a verbal agreement to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing next season, a NASCAR source close to the situation told ESPN.com on Wednesday. The deal could take up to a month to finalize and announce as negotiations continue for car sponsors. Newman reached the agreement after Joe Gibbs Racing was unable to nail down sponsorship to start a fourth team. JGR president J.D. Gibbs confirmed on Sunday at Indianapolis that Newman no longer was a factor in the team's plans and that a fourth team was unlikely for 2009. Stewart will drive the #14 and Newman the #4. Newman also has been pursued by Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and Petty Enterprises since announcing he would not return to Penske Racing next season, sources said.(ESPN.com)(7-30-2008)
UPDATE2: Amidst all the speculation surrounding Ryan Newman's future, the driver and even his wife maintain no official deal has been signed to drive for Stewart-Haas Racing next season. Despite several online reports that the driver of the #12 Penske Dodge verbally agreed to join Stewart-Haas in 2009, Newman issued a statement Friday saying, "I am still working on my 2009 plans at this time. I have no timetable on finalizing anything at this point." Also, a blog posted this week from wife Krissie Newman said, "Don't get too excited just yet." Nevertheless, Newman said he doesn't have anything on paper. "I've got my search pretty narrowed down I just don't have everything finalized," he said last week. Newman said there is no time frame for his decision, but admits time is of the essence and said the sooner he can work out an agreement the better in order to prepare for the 2009 season-opener in Daytona.(NASCAR.com)(8-2-2008) Comment here

Raines in the #70 for two races: during SPEED's TV coverage of Sprint Cup practice at Pocono Raceway, it was mentioned that Tony Raines, who is running the #70 Haas CNC Racing Chevy at Pocono, will also run the car at Michigan in two weeks. Max Papis will be in the car next week at Watkins Glen. Unless #66-Scott Riggs, currently in the top-35 of owners points and guaranteed a spot at Pocono, slips out of the top-35. At Infineon Raceway, Riggs and Papis swapped teams, trying to get the #66 back in the top-35 of owners points.(8-1-2008) Comment here

As for the UPS sponsorship? after hearing all kinds of rumors about the UPS sponsorship [currently at Michael Waltrip Racing in the #44 of David Reutimann], some which included: Truex to Penske with UPS [see #1 Team News and Links page in early May]; to Richard Childress Racing and the #07 and driver Clint Bowyer [see #07 Team News and Links page] with Jack Daniel's sponsorship either rotating around some of RCR's other teams, like the #29 and #31 OR going to Stewart Haas's 2nd team, the #4 Chevy; and to Stewart Haas's #4 team with Ryan Newman driving. BUT am now hearing the deal with RCR is close to being done with Bowyer's team. No word on what will happen with Jack Daniel's...IF this happens..of course.(8-1-0008) Comment here

Office Depot/Old Spice to be co-primaries for Tony Stewart in the #14: Office Depot and Old Spice will serve as co-primary sponsors of Tony Stewart's #14 Chevrolet Impala SS Sprint Cup Series entry beginning in 2009. Officials from the two companies, as well as from Stewart-Haas Racing, made the announcement today near Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Office Depot, a leading global provider of office products and services, along with Old Spice, the No. 1 antiperspirant/deodorant stick and body wash choice for guys in the United States, have entered into multi-year agreements with Stewart-Haas Racing to sponsor the new entry driven by Stewart. In addition, both Office Depot and Old Spice are official NASCAR partners, successfully leveraging their relationships with NASCAR and their race team sponsorships as powerful marketing platforms for their brands.

"To have Office Depot and Old Spice throw their support behind me and this race team makes me extremely proud," said Stewart, who announced on July 10 that he had acquired a 50% stake in what is now known as Stewart-Haas Racing. "These are two partnerships that make a lot of sense. Office Depot focuses on small business owners, and with my role as a driver and owner next year, I'm both their spokesman and their customer - and I have been for years, because with two USAC teams, two World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series teams and three race tracks, you need a smooth-running office if you expect your business to run right. Old Spice has been with me for nine years, but our 10th year together is obviously going to be pretty big. This is a major commitment for the Old Spice brand, and we're going to make sure the success we've enjoyed over the years continues."

"Tony is a successful entrepreneur who has an impressive record as a small business owner. This is one of the reasons why he is such a perfect fit for Office Depot," said Chuck Rubin, President of North American Retail for Office Depot. "We believe that Tony's passion to win and relentless pursuit of excellence truly embody the essence of the Office Depot brand and represent the commitments we make every single day to help our customers be successful."

Old Spice, a brand of Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble (P&G), is the official antiperspirant/deodorant of NASCAR, and its longstanding partnership with Stewart has helped Old Spice become the leader in its category, as well as the male body wash category. "We've really valued our relationship with Tony and have been growing our partnership for over nine years now," said Alex Keith, P&G Beauty, General Manager, North America Deodorants. "It's been a great program for Old Spice, and when he came to us with the opportunity to make it even bigger, we knew it was the right move. We're absolutely thrilled to be on board."

Also supporting Stewart's Office Depot/Old Spice effort in 2009 will be Chevrolet. The winner of 31 manufacturer's championships since coming to Sprint Cup in 1955, Chevrolet adds another powerful team to its already potent lineup with the addition of Stewart-Haas Racing.Putting an exclamation point on Stewart's new ride for 2009 is that his red and black Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet will carry the #14, made famous by the legendary A.J. Foyt. "Tony and I have been friends for a long time," said Foyt, a winner of four Indianapolis 500s, the 1972 Daytona 500 and the 1967 24 Hours of LeMans. "I think I first met him when he was running Midgets. It was quite a while ago so I don't actually remember where and when. A few times he drove the Silver Crown car I had with George Snider back in the mid-90s and I gave him his first test in an Indy car in Phoenix (in 1995) and he ran pretty quick as I recall. In addition to being quick, he's always told it how it is. I don't think there's anyone better to carry the #14."

Stewart has always admired what Foyt, currently an IRL IndyCar Series owner, accomplished in a driving career that began in 1957 and spanned such racing divisions as Indy car, NASCAR, USAC and sports car racing. "A.J. has always been my hero and will always be No. 1 on my hero list, with the best part being that we are really good friends," Stewart said. "We obviously have a tremendous amount of respect for one another. I remember him calling me after I won my first Cup championship in 2002 and I remember how much it meant to have him call that night and congratulate me. We really do have similar pasts and carry a lot of characteristics that are the same. He is one of the greatest icons in racing worldwide and to be compared to him in any way is always a huge honor. We came up through the same types of cars, from Sprint Cars to Midgets, and then I went to the IRL and moved into NASCAR. A.J. ran Indy cars for a long time and still came into stock car racing and was successful. There aren't a lot of guys that can go from car to car and still win races. It was something that A.J. was really good at and something that we have been very fortunate to replicate. He has given a lot back to racing and has been one of its biggest supporters. Without guys like him, guys like me wouldn't have had a chance to succeed."(True Speed Communication PR), see all the other past news/rumors on the #66 Team News and Links page AND no word if the #14 will be the #66 or #70 team, supposedly Stewart's 2nd team is looking to use the #4.(7-25-2008) Comment here

No third team for Stewart Hass in 2009: From Tony Stewart Live Monday night:
Question: "There are rumors of a third Cup car joining Stewart-Haas Racing for 2009. Is that true?"
Stewart: "That is not true. One of the guys asked if we were ever going to grow it to a four car team. And that is exactly what the plan will be eventually but right now we're going to concentrate on getting these two Cup cars exactly where they need to be, contenders to win a championship each year before we expand."(Sirius NASCAR Radio)(7-22-2008) Comment here

Stewart Expected to Name Car Number, Sponsors on Friday: UPDATE: Tony Stewart has finalized his car number and sponsors for next season, his first as co-owner of Stewart HAAS racing. Stewart will drive the #14 car the number once campaigned by his racing hero, A.J. Foyt. Old Spice and Office Depot will sponsor the Chevys. Old Spice is a long-time Stewart sponsor in Nationwide Series. Office Depot will be moving to Stewart from Carl Edwards' Roush Fenway car. An official announcement will be made Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(Cup Scene Daily)(7-22-2008)
UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing general manager Joe Custer has applied for his team to trademark the #14, which is expected to be the number next season for Tony Stewart, who will co-own and drive for Stewart-Haas Racing beginning in 2009. The trademark application covers a variety of products – everything from paper goods to luggage, knives, air fresheners, video featuring racing themes and several other items. The application was filed July 2, according in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database.(SceneDaily.com)(7-22-2008) Comment here

Newman says he has 4 options for 2009: UPDATE: Ryan Newman was "Mummy" on whether he will leave Penske Racing after this season. Newman, promoting the soon-to-be-released movie "Mummy" on his car in Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway, is considered the leading candidate to join Tony Stewart next season at newly-formed Stewart-Haas Racing. Sources have told ESPN.com that deal to join the Indiana natives is close to done and could be announced in two weeks at Indianapolis. Newman said he has three serious options outside of Penske and that ownership is part of at least one of the options. He also said re-signing with Penske is an option. Asked if ownership could be an option at Stewart-Haas, where Stewart was given 50 percent of the company, Newman said, "I won't answer that." Newman said last month he would not re-sign with Penske unless the performance of his team improved significantly. He said the team has made some strides to improve, but not enough to convince him it is ready to challenge for a championship. (ESPN.com)(7-13-2008)
UPDATE: Newman acknowledged on Saturday in Chicagoland that he has three serious options outside of Penske. A source close to the situation said Newman has been in discussions with Stewart Haas, Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing. The source added there is a firm offer from Stewart-Haas and that potential sponsors are set, but that the deal is not done. Newman said one of his options included ownership of equity in the company. Stewart-Haas general manager Joe Custer said his company is not looking to give up any more ownership than the 50 percent already given to Stewart. JGR officials have consistently said they are not interested in giving up ownership. Team owner Joe Gibbs and president J.D. Gibbs talked on Saturday as though 18-year-old sensation Joey Logano could replace Stewart in the #20 Home Depot car next season. RCR, looking for a driver for a fourth team sponsored by General Mills, and GEM already are divided into partnerships.(ESPN.com)(7-15-2008) Comment here

Truex doesn't rule out driving for Stewart: UPATE: As far as his contract status with DEI, which intends to pick up his option, Truex said those talks took a backseat after the Daytona infraction. "Certainly, last week . . . I said to myself, this isn't the first thing on my list," Truex said of his contract. "Through this week, we've had great meetings about what happened, how we want to fix it, the direction we're headed as a race team, and so hopefully this week we'll get back to talking about the rest of that stuff. It's been going well. There's just been a lot of other things on the plate as a race team to figure out." He did not rule out he could be a candidate for the second team at the newly formed Stewart-Haas Racing. "I guess if you look around the garage, anybody who doesn't have a contract signed for next year you have to look at as a candidate . . . for that deal right now," Truex said. (ESPN.com)(7-12-2008)
UPDATE: Sources confirmed to [Captain Thunder] that Newman is a done deal and an announcement is coming soon. What [Captain Thunder] also learned, is that Martin Truex Jr. may be joining Newman and Stewart. Sources said, Stewart is now looking to field a powerhouse three-car team, and sponsors are lining up to be a part of the newly formed venture. According to sources close to the situation, the Office Depot and Old Spice deals are set, but sources also said Burger King and UPS are working diligently with Stewart to sponsor his second and third racecars, if they can convince Truex Jr. to come along for the ride with Stewart HAAS Racing. Although DEI is working very hard to re-sign Truex Jr. and are throwing some huge numbers at the driver of the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy, Stewart is trying to convince Truex Jr. to join him and Newman at the newly formed Stewart HAAS Racing in hope of forming a powerhouse racing team. And, Truex Jr. may be ripe for the picking.(Captain Thunder Racing)(7-13-2008) Comment here

UPS to #07? UPDATE 5: UPS to Stewart Haas? hearing UPS could move #07-Clint Bowyer of Richard Childress Racing, if os, no word where Jack Daniel's sposnorship would go, or if they would leave the sport.(7-1-2008)
UPDATE Among the hot but unconfirmed rumors making the rounds in the Sprint Cup garage this week are that Richard Childress Racing will land UPS as a sponsor for Clint Bowyer’s #07 Chevrolet. Multiple sources indicated that Bowyer’s car was the favorite to take the sponsorship over from Michael Waltrip Racing and David Reutimann. One source close to the negotiations said RCR initially offered UPS #31-Jeff Burton, 41, but the delivery company wanted a younger driver with whom it could create a long-term identity and Bowyer is just 29. Burton, instead, will be sponsored next year by Caterpillar.(SPEEDtv)(7-6-2008)
UPDATE 2: Sirius Speedway has learned that UPS will move from Michael Waltrip Racing’s #44 Toyota to the quarterpanels of Clint Bowyer’s #07 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in 2009, leaving Jack Daniels in search of a new driver. That driver will be Ryan Newman, who is set to sign-on with Stewart at Haas CNC.(Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway)(7-7-2008)
UPDATE 3: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, regarding recent unsubstantiated reports in the media about Jack Daniel's leaving RCR after the 2008 season.: "Jack Daniel's and Richard Childress Racing have a contract through the 2009 season. Any reports in the media to the contrary are simply not accurate."(RCR PR)(7-10-2008)
UPDATE 4: From Richard Childress' Press Conference Thursday at Chicago:
   CAN YOU TALK ABOUT JACK DANIELS AND THEIR FUTURE AND WHAT THEY HAVE MEANT FOR YOU AS A SPONSOR?
   "Jack Daniels is a great sponsor, and we have them on the car for next year and that is all about I can say about it right now."
   WHY DO WE KEEP HEARING ABOUT UPS BEING ADDED TO THAT CAR?
   "I don't know, I don't write those things."
   WILL UPS BE INVOLVED WITH RCR NEXT YEAR IN SOME CAPACITY?
   "Right now I can't comment on anything with UPS because I am not involved right now with all of that."(GM Racing PR)(7-11-2008)
UPDATE 5: been told that UPS will NOT be going to Richard Childress Racing as a sponsor on any of their cars but will head to Stewart Haas Racing in the 2nd car with Ryan Newman as the driver. Look for Newman to be named as Stewart's team mate at Indy when SHR announces Office Depot as the sponsor for Stewart, but UPS won't be announced until a later date.(7-12-2008) Comment here

Stewart Joins Haas to form Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009: Two-time Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart has set his NASCAR future, and it's as an owner and driver with Stewart-Haas Racing beginning in 2009. Stewart-Haas Racing is the new partnership between Stewart and Haas CNC Racing, with the revamped entity slated to run two cars full-time in the Sprint Cup Series. Haas CNC Racing operates out of a 140,000-square foot shop in Concord, N.C., and is owned by Oxnard, Calif.-based Haas Automation Inc. The company has been involved with motorsports since 1995 through various technical partnerships with teams in the IRL IndyCar Series and NASCAR, including Hendrick Motorsports, which will continue to provide chassis, engines and technical support to Stewart-Haas Racing. News regarding sponsors of Stewart-Haas Racing, as well as the complete driver lineup and corresponding car numbers for the two-car team, will be announced at a later date.(TrueSpeed Communication PR)
Transcript: The complete press conference transcript is posted on the Haas CNC Racing site.(7-10-2008)

Stewart Joins Haas to form Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009: During a press conference at Chicagoland Speedway Thursday, Tony Stewart announced that he is joining with Haas CNC Racing to form Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009.
Some notes from the press conference:
Stewart and Joe Custer, General Manager of Haas Racing, appeared together to make the announcment.
Stewart said that owning World of Outlaw and USAC teams fed his interest in ownership in NASCAR. Ownership is now a side of him that he enjoys, that is important to him and that he wants to do the rest of his life
Stewart was offered half of the team in the deal. He did not say if he purchased his half or if it was given to him as a part of the deal.
A driver decision for the second car has not been made. The team is looking at who is available and will make a decision later.
There were no sponsor announcements or car number announcements [Stewart reportedly would like the #14 because it was A.J. Foyt's number].
There are no plans to move the team to Indianapolis. It's critical for NASCAR teams to be close to Charlotte.(7-10-2008)

Office Depot to Stewart UPDATE 3 Stewart granted release from Gibbs: been told that Office Depot will be the sponsor for Tony Stewart in 2009 when he drives for Haas CNC Racing which is will buy in to. Hearing the announcement of the buy and deal will be made in Indianapolis the week NASCAR is in Indy for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, July 27th.(7-3-2008)
UPDATE: Tony Stewart is expected to announce a 2009 move to Haas-CNC Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in three weeks. Reliable sources tell Sirius Speedway that Stewart will also announce sponsorship from Office Depot and Old Spice as part of a new, multi-year package with Haas CNC, and that Penske Racing’s Ryan Newman will join him as a teammate, with sponsorship from Jack Daniels. That surprise move comes as the result of an enviable situation at Richard Childress Racing, which now has five potential sponsors for next season, and only four teams. Sirius Speedway has learned that UPS will move from Michael Waltrip Racing’s #44 Toyota to the quarterpanels of Clint Bowyer’s #07 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in 2009, leaving Jack Daniels in search of a new driver. That driver will be Newman, who is set to sign-on with Stewart at Haas CNC.(Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway)(7-7-2008)
UPDATE 2: #20-Tony Stewart has been granted a release from the final year of his driving contract with Joe Gibbs Racing after 10 seasons with the team. "We've had a lot of success with Tony in our 12 years here at Joe Gibbs Racing," J.D. Gibbs, president of JGR, said in a statement. "While this moment is bittersweet, we're parting on good terms and we know that each of us has benefited greatly from the other." On Thursday at Chicagoland Speedway, Stewart will formally announce a move to Haas/CNC Racing as co-owner and driver, sources close to Stewart said. Sources close to both sides told ESPN.com the deal will make Stewart the highest-paid driver in NASCAR. Sources also said the Stewart Haas cars will carry different numbers. The #14, made famous in IndyCar racing by Stewart's hero, A.J. Foyt, is available, but sources would neither confirm nor deny that as his choice. Sources said Stewart will own a 50% stake in the organization, but his financial investment in attaining it was not disclosed. Per Stewart's agreement with JGR, he will not attempt to hire away any members of his current team. This was a significant key to making the deal happen because the only way that Gibbs felt comfortable with putting Joey Logano in the Cup Series so quickly was to surround him with Greg Zipadelli's established, experienced crew. As ESPN.com's David Newton initially reported, Office Depot will have a role in sponsoring Stewart's car. Ryan Newman remains the lead candidate to drive Stewart Haas' second car, sources said, though no deal had yet been finalized Tuesday night. Stewart Haas will continue to receive chassis and engines from Hendrick Motorsports. Haas/CNC's current drivers, Scott Riggs and Johnny Sauter, are ranked 36th and 44th, respectively, in the owner point standings. If the team's performance fails to improve its points position during the second half of 2008, Stewart's champion's provisional will guarantee him a slot in the field for the first five races next season, presuming NASCAR doesn't change the rule.(ESPN.com)(7-9-2008)
UPDATE 3: Joey Logano acknowledged on Wednesday that he is a candidate to replace Tony Stewart in the #20 Sprint Cup car at Joe Gibbs Racing next season. "It has been brought up a few times," Logano said as he arrived at JGR for a morning workout. Logano wasn't shocked to hear that Stewart will be released from his final year at JGR next season to pursue other opportunities. Stewart was scheduled to tell his team on Wednesday that this will be his last season, then announce on Thursday in Chicago that he has bought into Haas CNC Racing and will drive for that team with another driver -- Ryan Newman, according to sources, is all but a done deal -- next year. Stewart will unveil his new car with Office Depot as the primary sponsor at a news conference in Indianapolis in two weeks, sources said. Logano, 18, said he will focus the rest of this season on his Nationwide Series ride and hope to get into a few Cup races before the end of the year to prepare him for next season.(ESPN.com)(7-9-2008) Comment here

UPS to #07? UPDATE 2 Jack Daniel's to Stewart-Haas?: hearing UPS could move #07-Clint Bowyer of Richard Childress Racing, if os, no word where Jack Daniel's sposnorship would go, or if they would leave the sport.(7-1-2008)
UPDATE Among the hot but unconfirmed rumors making the rounds in the Sprint Cup garage this week are that Richard Childress Racing will land UPS as a sponsor for Clint Bowyer’s #07 Chevrolet. Multiple sources indicated that Bowyer’s car was the favorite to take the sponsorship over from Michael Waltrip Racing and David Reutimann. One source close to the negotiations said RCR initially offered UPS #31-Jeff Burton, 41, but the delivery company wanted a younger driver with whom it could create a long-term identity and Bowyer is just 29. Burton, instead, will be sponsored next year by Caterpillar.(SPEEDtv)(7-6-2008)
UPDATE 2: Sirius Speedway has learned that UPS will move from Michael Waltrip Racing’s #44 Toyota to the quarterpanels of Clint Bowyer’s #07 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in 2009, leaving Jack Daniels in search of a new driver. That driver will be rYAN Newman, who is set to sign-on with Stewart at Haas CNC.(Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway)(7-7-2008) Comment here

Hunt Brothers Pizza Extends Sponsorship with HAAS CNC Racing: HAAS CNC Racing announced today that it has extended its sponsorship agreement with Hunt Brothers Pizza for the 2008 Sprint Cup season. The Nashville, Tenn.-based company will serve as a primary sponsor of the #66 and #70 Chevys in multiple races and will be an associate sponsor on the #66 in each of the remaining races. "We are very excited to have Hunt Brothers Pizza as a continued partner," said HAAS CNC Racing general manager Joe Custer. "This is a great step ahead for our race team. We're looking forward to representing Hunt Brothers well, both on and off the track." The #70 Chevy Impala SS first featured the Hunt Brothers Pizza brand at Talladega in April where the team qualified third. "NASCAR is a natural fit for Hunt Brothers Pizza," said company executive Scott Hunt. "NASCAR fans are known to be the most brand-loyal fans among all of the major sports and we're proud to have many NASCAR fans in our existing customer base. We look forward to taking our message nationally to the millions of fans across the country." Next up for Hunt Brothers Pizza is the July 5, Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway where the company will be primary sponsor of the #66 HAAS CNC Racing Chevy driven by Scott Riggs. For more information about Hunt Brothers Pizza, please visit www.huntbrotherspizza.com or call 1-800-453-3675.(Haas CNC Racing PR)(6-30-2008)Comment here

More on Stewart and Haas CNC UPDATE done deal?: Tony Stewart is shopping for car sponsorships in anticipation of a potential partnership with Haas CNC Racing, multiple sources told ESPN.com. Although Stewart has a year left on his contract at Joe Gibbs Racing and JGR officials insist he hasn't asked for a release, the two-time Sprint Cup champion appears prepared to share ownership of Haas Racing's two-car team in 2009. One source close to the situation said there have been discussions with Ryan Newman as the second driver. Newman has said he will not return to Penske Racing if the performance of that team doesn't improve quickly. Newman's name definitely would help draw sponsorship to Haas. "He's talking to every major sponsor that is available out there for this Haas deal," one source said of Stewart and his representatives. "I don't know if it's done, but it sounds like it's very close." Office Depot and Old Spice have emerged as the favorites for at least one of the cars. Office Depot lost its bid to remain with Carl Edwards of Roush Fenway Racing when Aflac was chosen as the primary sponsor of the #99. Sources said there have been discussions with Stewart's representatives that would make Office Depot and Old Spice co-primaries with Office Depot as the lead sponsor. Old Spice already has a relationship with Stewart in the Cup and Nationwide Series. Stewart would not address his future following Sunday's race at Infineon Raceway. JGR president J.D. Gibbs insisted Stewart had not closed the door on signing a long-term deal with the company that brought him to Cup racing in 1999 and helped him win titles in 2002 and 2005. But there is widespread speculation that the reason JGR has rushed Joey Logano into the Nationwide Series is to prepare him to take Stewart's place should Stewart leave. Stewart admitted two months ago there had been inquiries from other teams. He acknowledged there had been talks with Haas CNC that included ownership.(ESPN.com)
AND: am hearing that Stewart leaving JGR and buying into Haas CNC Racing is a done deal, supposedly the 2nd driver could be Martin Treux Jr. Hearing the sponsors could be UPS and Bass Pro Shops.(6-26-2008) Comment here
UPDATE: supposedly the deal is done, earlier Friday, a source close to the situation said that Chevrolet has agreed to terms with Joe Gibbs Racing to buy Tony Stewart out of his contract with the #20-Toyota Sprint Cup racing team. Stewart will indeed be making the move to Haas CNC Racing, a rumor that has been circulating for months. Supposedly Stewart’s new sponsor will be Office Depot and terms have been finalized regarding the impending sponsorship. In addition, Stewart will be joined by current #12 Penske Racing driver Ryan Newman, who would be sponsored by Burger King. No word yet on what car numbers the drivers will run and an announcement could come as early as next week at the Daytona International Speedway.( Captain Thunder)(6-27-2008)

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