$90 million Tony Stewart Reflects on the End of SHR’s Historic NASCAR Journey
Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, recently shared a bittersweet moment as Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) completed its final race at Phoenix Raceway, marking the end of the team’s long and storied history in NASCAR. Earlier this year, Stewart and co-owner Gene Haas announced their decision to step away from the sport, citing growing concerns over NASCAR’s current direction. Their departure at the end of the 2024 season closed a remarkable chapter for one of the sport’s most successful teams.
After the final race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, Stewart, who is worth an estimated $90 million, posted a deeply emotional message on social media, sharing the last moments of the SHR team at the track. He posted a photo of their final hauler as it exited the Phoenix Raceway, simply stating, “Directing the last hauler out.” Over the past 22 years, SHR had not only built a reputation for excellence but also accumulated 102 victories, including 70 wins in the Cup Series, and secured three driver championships. This final race symbolized the end of an influential era in NASCAR.
Leading up to the race, SHR expressed their gratitude to the fans who had supported them over the years. In a heartfelt message posted on their social media platforms, the team thanked fans for their unwavering passion, whether in moments of celebration or challenge. “It’s been the ride of a lifetime,” the statement read, highlighting how the energy and enthusiasm of the fans had fueled their journey through both triumphs and tribulations.
Despite the closure of SHR, Gene Haas, who co-owns the team with Stewart, remains committed to NASCAR through his new venture, the Haas Factory Team (HFT). HFT will field one car in the Cup Series, piloted by 2024 Xfinity Series runner-up Cole Custer, and two cars in the Xfinity Series, driven by Sam Mayer and Sheldon Creed. Haas’s continued involvement in NASCAR reflects his dedication to the sport, even as SHR steps away.
Ahead of the Championship Race at Phoenix, SHR’s only playoff driver in 2024, Chase Briscoe, shared a deeply emotional message on the team radio. Briscoe, who had secured his playoff spot earlier in the season, took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Stewart and the entire SHR team. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to drive for this team,” he said. “You all made my dreams come true.” Briscoe pledged to give his best effort in their final race, promising to do everything possible to bring home a victory. Though he fell short of a win, teammate Noah Gragson finished the race in 12th place, marking the best finish for the team in their final outing under the SHR name.
With SHR’s departure, NASCAR loses a team that has been an integral part of the sport’s landscape for over two decades. Their legacy of success, passion, and dedication to racing will not be forgotten, and their contributions will continue to resonate within NASCAR for years to come.
Be the first to comment