Tony Stewart Could Soon Alter the Power Structure of NASCAR
In just 19 races, Tony Stewart has gone from the newest Sprint Cup team co-owner to perhaps the most in-demand owner, as well.
Tuesday brought news that Kevin Harvick reportedly wants out of his contract a year early with Richard Childress Racing to possibly join Stewart Haas Racing. Then again, Harvick has also been rumored about taking his existing Camping World and Nationwide teams and adding a Cup operation to the mix, as well.
Other drivers’ names have been mentioned as potentially joining Stewart Haas as well over the last few months. Martin Truex Jr. appeared to be a lock until he decided to sign with Michael Waltrip Racing.
Kasey Kahne has also been rumored as possibly seeking an early out from Richard Petty Motorsports to join SHR. Matt Kenseth’s name has also come up, even though Kenseth appears loyal to, and likely to remain with, Roush Fenway Racing.
Other names that have gone through the rumor mill include Brad Keselowski, Brian Vickers, Kurt Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya, Marcos Ambrose and Greg Biffle.
It’s getting to the point where it’s easier to list the drivers that haven’t been rumored going to SHR than those that have.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If Stewart Haas Racing continues on the path of success it finds itself on now, and grows to three and eventually four teams under its umbrella, bigger and more established teams like Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and yes, even Hendrick Motorsports, may soon start shaking in their boots – if they haven’t already.
The news about Harvick is especially disconcerting if you’re Richard Childress. Not only is Harvick rumored to want to leave for SHR, he’s also rumored to be taking primary sponsor Shell/Pennzoil with him. That would leave Childress in the unenviable position of not only replacing what has been his top driver since 2001, but also the $20 million sponsorship that goes with it.
The success of SHR thus far in 2009 could very well signal a significant shift, if not outright change, of the power structure within NASCAR ownership in the next few years.
It’s almost as if Stewart is throwing a big party and anyone that wants to be cool wants to be invited to hang out with him. While there was some significant concern that Stewart might flop as an owner, it’s pretty apparent who is getting the last laugh now.
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