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Stewart as owner benefits more than one person

Stewart as owner benefits more than one person Stewart publicly said his plans for 50-50 partnership with Haas CNC Racing on Thursday. The newest venture, which will be named Stewart-Haas Racing, will say a 2 driver, sponsors and car numbers at a later date.

"That's an incredible option that allows me to race competitively in NASCAR's top division while carving out a place in this sport long after my driving career is over," Stewart told. "I have won races and I have won championships and I know I could have continued to do that at Joe Gibbs Racing, but to attempt to do those things as a car owner is something that really appeals to me.

"There is all new sense of appreciation and satisfaction that comes with success when you are both a driver and an owner."

Stewart's decision to admit the responsibility of being a NASCAR owner is pivotal for the sport on lots of fronts.

Stewart has a solid understanding of what it takes to be a successful car owner. With Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart is the first to admit he has had a solid model to pattern his own ownership techniques. And he has proven he could succeed, becoming the first USAC owner in the organization's 53-year history to be leading the point standings in whole three divisions — Silver Crown, Sprint Car and Midget. Stewart's business acumen will carry over to the Cup side as well.

There has not been a current champion/owner since the late Dale Earnhardt that has been able to command both the respect and authority necessary to be a voice for the garage. Certainly, NASCAR listens to its competitors' concerns, but with Stewart's interests as a team and track owner, as well as a champion, it gives him a cachet that is missing among other drivers in the garage.

"I believe he could speak up, he could be a voice for a many of the owners because not only is he an owner, he is a driver, and he will start understanding more and more the costs of the sport," Richard Childress told. "I said him any time he wants to sit down if he runs into a problem or has an idea, run it by me and I will help him."

As the owner/promoter of Eldora Speedway, he has brought more attention to the half-mile dirt track over the past 4 years with the Prelude to the Dream to benefit Victory Junction Camp than the Big E had received in its first 50. From growing up around racetracks, Stewart realizes what amenities are necessary not only to make fans happy but to bring them back to the track.

Stewart's crew chief, Greg Zipadelli, has seen the progress his driver has done on the business side of racing. He expects nothing less from Stewart at the Cup level.

Stewart as owner benefits more than one person "There is something that he enjoys with challenges and different things," Zipadelli told. "Obviously this is a great challenge — a great option for him and a many people that have been involved with him for a long time to take this challenge and do something that really no one has done in this sport, especially in this day and era.

"I truly hope that he will go over there and be successful. He is very capable of doing it. Part of me wishes I was going over there because I'm also the same way with the challenges and things, but what's exciting for me is I'll have a new challenge next year with a new driver. I'm going to stick with that. For him, everybody in here knows him. He likes to be backed up against the wall and that's when he often does his best. I think he will make a fine job."

Stewart brings a youthful exuberance to the owner lot. At 37, he is considerably younger than any owner other than Doug Yates, who took over for his father Robert this year. Stewart isn't afraid to lobby for what he feels is right and will offer fresh ideas to the status quo.

"Tony is at the top of his game and this team has as much respect as any of the other NASCAR frontrunners," said NASCAR vice president of communications Jim Hunter. "I don't think that was the case when other drivers attempted to become owners. More were at the tail end of their careers.