Stewart Haas Racing ceasing operation after 2024 season

Tony Stewart in 2012
photo by Janine Cloud/Skirts and Scuffs

On Tuesday afternoon, Tony Stewart and Gene Haas released a joint statement announcing that Stewart Haas Racing will be closing its doors at the end of the 2024 season. 

While rumors about the closure had been swirling for a few weeks, the statement still sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community. 

The organization that three-time NASCAR champion Stewart stepped in to elevate to championship level has found wins hard to come by since 2020, with only four trips to Victory Lane in 2021-2023 and just three top fives thus far in 2024 despite having four teams on the track. 

“We have made the difficult decision to close Stewart-Haas Racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season. It is a decision that did not come easily, nor was it made quickly. Racing is a labor-intensive, humbling sport. It requires unwavering commitment and vast resources, with a 365-day mindset to be better than everyone else. It's part of what makes success so rewarding. But the commitment needed to extract maximum performance while providing sustainability is incredibly demanding, and we've reached a point in our respective personal and business lives where it's time to pass the torch."

Haas has been focusing on his fledgling F1 team. Stewart shifted his focus to NHRA after his marriage to drag racer Leah Pruett. NASCAR sponsorship remains difficult to acquire and retain, and SHR’s manufacturer support from Ford was to end after this season, making continuing operations unrealistic and leading to today’s message. 

In addition, Stewart has made no secret of his frustration with NASCAR’s management, especially after his efforts to secure an Xfinity or Cup date for Eldora, the dirt track he owns. The Truck Series raced there for seven seasons, but ended with Bristol being filled with dirt for the top-level Cup series instead, with no notice given to Stewart. 

While Stewart Haas was on the decline, teams such as Trackhouse Racing and 23XI have shown promise. Bob Pockrass of NASCAR on FOX  revealed today that his sources indicate each of those two organizations will purchase an SHR charter, along with Front Row Motorsports, leaving one charter still up for sale.  

Drivers Josh Berry, Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson, and Ryan Preece are left without rides at the end of the season, though rumors are beginning to circulate on social media that Gragson will end up at RCR and Briscoe at Wood Brothers.

On X (formerly Twitter) Berry stated, “Today was a tough day for all of us. It is pretty hard to find the right words. I’m proud of our team for how they have been handling this and will going forward. RC [crew chief Rodney Childers] is a true leader. We will keep racing our hearts out every Sunday.” 

Briscoe posted, “Stewart Haas has been home to my family and I for the last 7 years and at the end of the year myself and the entire organization will be looking for a new home and new opportunities in the Cup series. I have amazing partners behind me and can’t wait to get them back in victory lane.” 

Long-time crew chief for the No. 4, Rodney Childers posted, "1 championship, 37 wins, 25 poles, 151 top 5s, 235 top 10s since the 4 team came together at SHR. And we are just getting rolling with @joshberry  .. But most of all, we have been a family. A family that truly cares and loves every person.. WE aren’t done!