The NASCAR community, Tony Stewart has made a game-changing decision that will reshape the future of the sport. After ongoing internal challenges and increasing frustration with the direction NASCAR is heading, Stewart has announced that he will be stepping away from the NASCAR Cup Series following the decision to shut down Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) at the end of the 2024 season.
This bold move comes amid growing tension between team owners and NASCAR leadership over financial models and the contentious charter system. Stewart has been openly critical of the way charters are being handled, even going so far as to call the agreements “a joke.” His outspokenness reflects a broader dissatisfaction among teams, some of which have already taken legal steps in response to NASCAR’s business practices.
Founded in 2009, Stewart-Haas Racing became one of the sport’s top teams, producing multiple wins and a Cup Series championship. The closure of the organization will directly impact nearly 300 employees, as well as several well-known drivers, including Chase Briscoe, Josh Berry, Ryan Preece, and Noah Gragson—leaving their futures in limbo.
Co-owner Gene Haas has announced plans to continue fielding a team under a new banner—Haas Factory Team—but the exit of Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most respected voices, marks the end of a major era.
Stewart’s departure underscores the urgent need for NASCAR to address internal concerns before more major stakeholders walk away. His decision is not just a personal shift; it’s a wake-up call to the sport at large.
