|
Post by 221dayton on Sept 21, 2017 12:01:05 GMT -5
Tony Stewart says team lineup not set for 2018
Although SHR has not picked up the option on the 2017 Daytona 500 winner and 2004 Cup champion yet, Tony Stewart expects Busch to remain with the organization.
On Tuesday, Stewart discussed the driver vacancies in the #10 and 41 teams on NBCSports' NASCAR America.
"We don't know exactly who is going to be in the 10 car yet - but we're working on it," Stewart said of potential replacements for Danica Patrick. "We have a new partner with Smithfield that we're excited about. They've been great to work with so far, and I'm really excited about that partnership.
"The 41 car is kind of still in the air. The reason we didn't exercise Kurt's option wasn't because we don't want him there. We fully intend on having him next year, but it's obviously dictated on sponsorship. These cars don't run themselves, and it costs a lot of money to do it. We need to make sure we have sponsorship for that car before we commit to him for next year.
"But our plan at Stewart-Haas is to have Kurt in that car next year with Monster and Haas Automation."
Stewart was not able to reveal which driver would replace Patrick in the #10 car. The former three-time NASCAR champion and current co-owner of SHR said the company's decision depends on timing.
"So we're looking at options as who is available. You're trying to find out whose contracts are up, when they're up. So a lot of it is timing. Timing is everything in this scenario."
--- Motorsport --- 9/20/2017
|
|
|
Post by searchers on Sept 21, 2017 14:21:24 GMT -5
I hope they can keep Kurt in the 41 car.
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Nov 9, 2017 12:18:06 GMT -5
Stewart-Haas Racing adds Aric Almirola to driver lineup
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Nov. 8, 2017) - Stewart-Haas Racing has signed Aric Almirola to join its Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series lineup in 2018. The 33-year-old from Tampa, Florida, will drive the team's No. 10 Smithfield Ford Fusion.
Almirola has won races in each of NASCAR's top-three national touring series and is currently in his sixth full season in the premier NASCAR Cup Series. Almirola has one NASCAR Cup Series victory, three NASCAR Xfinity Series wins and two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series triumphs.
"I've known Aric since 2004 and have always been impressed with him on the racetrack," said Tony Stewart, who co-owns Stewart-Haas Racing with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas. "I've raced with him and seen him mature into a really good racecar driver. He can compete for wins here at Stewart-Haas Racing and help our other drivers compete for wins. He's an excellent fit for this team and for Smithfield."
"This is the opportunity every racer wants," Almirola said. "Stewart-Haas Racing is an experienced organization with a lot of depth, great technical support from Ford, and staffed with racers from top to bottom. They lean on each other, challenge each other and make each other better. I'm really looking forward to being a part of that.
"I've known Tony Stewart since our time together at Joe Gibbs Racing. I know what he expects and he knows my commitment. I can't thank him and Smithfield enough for believing in me and providing this opportunity."
"This is a great moment for Aric, and Smithfield is very happy to be a part of it because it's a great opportunity for our company," said John Pauley, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Smithfield. "Obviously, we strongly believe in Aric's ability and that of Stewart-Haas Racing, and those abilities transcend the racetrack. They want to consistently run up front and contend for wins, but they're also very interested in helping us win in the marketplace. This is a strong partnership with outgoing personalities who are driven to succeed."
Almirola's path to NASCAR started in his home state of Florida, beginning in karting in 1992 before advancing to open-wheel modifieds in 2000 and then late-model stock cars in 2002. In late 2003 at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Almirola participated in a driver combine for Joe Gibbs Racing and was ultimately selected as one of the first two drivers for Gibbs' diversity program, which launched in 2004. Almirola became a teammate of Stewart's, who was in his sixth year as a NASCAR Cup Series driver and only two years removed from the first of his three NASCAR Cup Series championships.
Nine wins and 11 poles during the 2004-2005 seasons of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series allowed Almirola to advance from local short tracks in the southeast to a fulltime, national schedule in the Camping World Truck Series in 2006. A handful of Xfinity Series starts also came in 2006, and Almirola's NASCAR Cup Series debut took place on March 11, 2007 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, three days shy of his 23rd birthday.
--- Stewart-Haas Racing --- --- NOV. 8, 2017---
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Nov 9, 2017 12:28:19 GMT -5
Tony Stewart could run some 2018 XFINITY races
Stewart-Haas Racing announced Aric Almirola as its new Cup driver Wednesday morning, but the team's namesake had an announcement of his own.
Tony Stewart, who retired from NASCAR's premier series after the 2016 season, said he has explored the possibility of running road courses in the Xfinity Series during the news conference to introduce Almirola in the No. 10 Ford.
Almirola was asked if he would drive an SHR-affiliated car in the Xfinity Series in 2018. "I hope so," he said, turning to Stewart. "Can I drive an Xfinity car?"
"We'll work on that," Stewart said. "I might want to drive it at some point. You guys act like you don't need something that's shocking a little bit. There's actually some road course races that I might be interested in running. We actually discussed it in house there.
"We don't have anything near worth announcing by any means, but there are some really cool races, especially Charlotte having a road course race next year, there might be some opportunities that might be a little fun for me to come out, dust things off a little bit."
--- NBC Sports --- --- NOV. 8, 2017---
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Nov 9, 2017 12:36:31 GMT -5
Tony Stewart: NASCAR's aero problem is partly why I retired
With Tony Stewart contemplating a handful of NASCAR Xfinity Series road course appearances next season, it’s worth the reminder why the three-time Cup Series champion retired in the first place.
The 46-year-old hasn’t exactly stopped racing.
In fact, he’s more active than ever before, spending more time behind the wheel of his No. 14 Tony Stewart Racing sprint car alongside teammate Donny Schatz. He had hoped to run upwards of 100 races this season while still managing Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, and his stake in the Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR program.
It’s no secret that Stewart had become increasingly jaded with stock car racing over the final decade of his career due to the increases in technology, downforce and side force. He believes that driver talent has taken a back seat to engineering and simply wanted no part of that as a driver.
That’s what makes road courses, along with dirt and short track races, so appealing to the likely first-ballot Hall of Famer. He wants to compete in races in which driver input can compete equally alongside engineering.
"Finally, someone who actually gets that," Stewart told Autoweek on Wednesday. "That's one of the reasons why I decided to do something different this year. I wanted to race cars where I felt like I could make a difference.
"So that’s why I’m looking at the road courses for next year. They make you feel like you matter as a driver. I didn’t always feel that way on ovals as a driver last year because of the aerodynamics."
Stewart inadvertently stole the spotlight from newly signed SHR driver Aric Almirola during a Wednesday morning press conference when he suggested that he could return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series for a road course event like the newly renovated Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval configuration.
"If I come back, it won't be in a Cup car," Stewart said. "You know, everyone has talked about me running a Truck at Eldora. And you know, there are some road course races. I loved road course racing during my time as a Cup driver, so there are some road courses that Xfinity races on that I've never been to and I would like to try.
"I've explored doing that somewhere down the road."
Stewart earned eight victories on road courses during his 18-year NASCAR Cup Series career. He won five times at Watkins Glen and thrice at Sonoma, including his final win last June with a thrilling last-lap pass over Denny Hamlin.
AutoWeek 11/8/17
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Nov 10, 2017 12:53:41 GMT -5
Stewart-Haas crew chief lineup not set yet
Greg Zipadelli said the 2018 crew chief line up for Stewart-Haas Racing is still a work in progress.
Tony Stewart's proclaimed during the Aric Almirola press conference on Wednesday that Billy Scott and his crewmen-currently with Danica Patrick-would remain with the #10 team next season as Almirola transitions into the seat.
The former championship crew chief turned competition director for SHR told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio later in the day he's in no rush to formulate a plan.
"We haven't made those decisions yet," Zipadelli said on Dialed In with Claire B. Lang. "That was kind of the plan, but we're looking at everything right now. How do we take the people that are in house? How do we move them around? How do we make Stewart-Haas stronger?
For Zipadelli and SHR, there are still a lot of decisions to be made, particularly with the #41 team and driver Kurt Busch, who as of yet has not been re-signed by the team.
Busch's crew chief, Tony Gibson, has said for months that he's looking to get off the road, which adds another unknown to the equation. And given the tenor of the relationship between Clint Bowyer and Mike Bugawericz this season, along with the #14 team's failure to qualify for the Playoffs, a fresh start for that pair wouldn't be out of the question.
--- Motorsport --- --- 11/10/2017 ---
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Nov 12, 2017 12:35:36 GMT -5
Still no deal for Kurt Busch as of 11/12/17
AVONDALE, Ariz. - With just eight days remaining in the 2017 Monster Energy Series NASCAR Cup Season, Kurt Busch still does not have a signed deal to drive in 2018.
That is despite Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) announcing other major news, including Aric Almirola for the #10 and an Xfinity Series alliance with Biagi-DenBeste Racing. So, what about the reigning Daytona 500 winner and the 2004 Cup Series champion?
SHR representatives say a deal is in the works and that it is just a matter of time but blame is being assessed on "negotiations" and the "business" of the sport. Haas's personal business is a partial sponsor of the #41 car, however, Busch has a personal and professional relationship with Monster Energy. Additionally, Bush has another potential sponsor in the works which should be announced some time after a deal is reached with the team.
A key holdup is that Busch is being asked to take a significant pay cut despite bringing financial support to the team.
"It's just kind of part of the negotiations, obviously, it would be better to solidify that and I think we will in the next few weeks," Haas told Kickin' the Tires before last week's race at Texas Motor Speedway. "Umm, the whole problem with the sport is there is just less revenue coming in and these adjustments are kind of painful on everybody."
When asked about a pay cut for Busch, Haas said it was more than just a dollar figure holding things up. He also said the team is concerned that sponsors might leave at the end of their contracts and that could put things in a bind. Asked specifically if he was worried about Monster Energy pulling and Haas said no.
Reached for comment for his side of the situation, Busch would only say that he was "in negotiations."
--- Kickin the Tires --- --- 11/11/2017---
|
|
tac10
Full Member
Posts: 225
|
Post by tac10 on Nov 14, 2017 19:21:19 GMT -5
Everybody is too calm. Kurt will probably be back to the 41 Ford. NASCAR mismanagement got Kenseth's ride but not Kurt's this year.
|
|
|
Post by goodgrief on Nov 18, 2017 19:04:05 GMT -5
Nothing yet?
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Nov 29, 2017 13:18:32 GMT -5
Nope it is obvious there is some kind of "blackout" on news about Kurt.
|
|
|
Post by Tom Pearce on Nov 29, 2017 16:57:52 GMT -5
Jayski has a video of Kurt Busch here ( www.espn.com/jayski/ ) but he really does not say a lot. Still sounds like he will wants to be at SHR.
|
|
|
Post by pegbundy on Nov 29, 2017 23:35:51 GMT -5
With contract talks ongoing, Kurt Busch says he plans on staying with Stewart-Haas Racing 7:13 PM ET Bob Pockrass NASCAR
LAS VEGAS -- Kurt Busch said he "absolutely" plans to return to Stewart-Haas Racing next season, as he continues to negotiate a contract to continue driving for the team.
The 2004 NASCAR Cup champion opened 2017 by winning the Daytona 500, which put him in the playoffs. The remainder of the season was mixed, and he finished 14th in the season standings.
SHR didn't pick up Busch's option as it awaited word on whether Monster Energy would continue to sponsor half the season.
Talking to media on Wednesday in Las Vegas as part of the NASCAR postseason awards celebration week, Busch held a Monster can and indicated he planned to return to SHR. Monster has not said whether it will return to SHR, while team co-owner Tony Stewart has said in recent weeks that the team is working on re-signing Busch, who has made the playoffs in all four years of driving for SHR.
"My best chance to win races, to win championships, is to be with Stewart-Haas Racing," said the 39-year-old Busch, a 17-year veteran of the NASCAR Cup Series. "I talked with other owners and the offers were about the same from other teams.
"But the offers weren't the same as far as level of car. To work with [engine builder] Doug Yates and Ford and all the individuals that I've grown around and felt comfortable with at Stewart-Haas, that's not available at other teams."
Busch said he has no deadline to finalize a contract. The first NASCAR Cup activity of the season (not including any potential tests) is Feb. 10 at Daytona.
"We'll see how it all plays out," Busch said. "I'm not too worried about it. No deadline. With the support I have from Monster and the support I have from Ford, everybody is on the same page.
"It's more about the people and plugging in the right puzzle pieces in the right place."
Busch crew chief Tony Gibson has expressed a desire to come off the road but has said he will do whatever the team asks of him next year.
"[My contract] all is still a work in progress," Busch said. "I feel like Monster has stood by my side and Ford has really been very supportive. I like the way the two sides are coming together.
"My focus is in the people and the personnel and how we're going to make this work to be more successful next year. Winning Daytona this year was great, but we want more. We want to be that championship contender. We want to make a run through the playoffs."
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Nov 30, 2017 11:37:39 GMT -5
Kurt Busch confident he will be back with SHR in 2018
George Winkler NASCAR.com 11/29/2017
LAS VEGAS — Kurt Busch remains confident and optimistic that a new contract with Stewart-Haas Racing for the 2018 season will be forthcoming, the driver said during Champion’s Week.
“It’s all a work in progress,” Busch said. “Monster has stood by my side and Ford has been supportive. I like the way the two sides are coming together. My focus has been more about the people and personnel and how we’re going to make this work to be more successful next year. Winning Daytona was great, but we want more.”
Busch provided one of the 2017 season’s highlights with his win in the Daytona 500, his first in “The Great American Race.” But in August, reports surfaced that Stewart-Haas Racing would not pick up the option on his contract for 2018. The team also tweeted that they expected Busch to return in 2018, and the driver has said the same.
“I think my best chance to win races, to win championships is to be with Stewart-Haas Racing,” Busch said. “Talked with other owners and the offers were about the same from other teams, but the offers weren’t the same as far as level of car. And to work with Doug Yates and Ford and all the individuals that I’ve grown around and felt comfortable with at SHR, that’s not available at other teams.
“We’ll see how it all plays out, I’m not too worried about it.”
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Dec 11, 2017 23:56:58 GMT -5
Report: Kurt Busch to re-sign with Stewart-Haas Racing to drive No. 41 Fordwww.yahoo.com/sports/report-kurt-busch-sign-stewart-151841563.html12/10/17 According to a report by Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal/Sports Business Daily, Kurt Busch is expected to re-sign with Stewart-Haas Racing sometime in the coming days to continue driving the No. 41 Ford Fusion. Stern reported on Sports Business Daily: “Stewart-Haas Racing is expected to announce this week that Kurt Busch has signed on to continue driving the team’s No. 41 Ford in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, according to sources. Terms of the new deal were unclear at presstime.” Stewart-Haas Racing did not confirm nor deny the SBJ/SBD report. A spokesman told NBC Sports in an email, “When or if its official, you’ll see a release from us.” Busch has spent the last four seasons with Stewart-Haas, earning five of his 29 career NASCAR Cup wins. He’s finished 12th in 2014, eighth in 2015, seventh in 2016 and 14th in 2017. We’ll update you with more information if/when it becomes available.
|
|
|
Post by 221dayton on Dec 13, 2017 11:38:46 GMT -5
Kurt Busch, sponsor Monster Energy remaining at Stewart-Haas
Bob Pockrass ESPN NASCAR 12/12/17
Kurt Busch, who said two weeks ago that he "absolutely" planned to return to Stewart-Haas Racing, has signed a contract to remain at SHR with sponsorship from Monster Energy, Busch announced Tuesday.
Busch, the 2004 NASCAR Cup champion, had been a free agent since August, when the team didn't pick up the option as it awaited word from Monster.
Knowing that SHR is committed to optimum performance, I believe that I have everything I need to win races this season and take home the 2018 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup," Busch wrote in a statement that he posted to Twitter. "I look forward to taking on next year with my team, sponsors and determination."
Monster Energy became the sponsor of the NASCAR Cup series this season, and with a decision looming on whether it would pick up its option to sponsor the series in 2019 and 2020, there was question whether it would also remain a co-sponsor of Busch's car.
Busch joined SHR in 2014, and Monster became his sponsor with the team in 2016. It split the season with team co-owner Gene Haas, whose company, Haas Automation, is the primary sponsor for about half the races.
Having made the playoffs in each of his four years at SHR, Busch has five wins driving for the organization. He has 29 career wins in 612 starts.
Busch opened 2017 by winning the Daytona 500. The rest of the season was good, but not great as he was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. He finished 14th in the standings with six top-5s and 15 top-10s.
Busch said that after his option was not picked up, he had talks with other teams, but SHR was clearly the best option for him.
"I talked with other owners, and the offers were about the same from other teams," Busch said Nov. 29 about his plans to remain at SHR.
"But the offers weren't the same as far as level of car. To work with [engine builder] Doug Yates and Ford and all the individuals that I've grown around and felt comfortable with at Stewart-Haas, that's not available at other teams."
Busch has recently signed with Livewire Entertainment in Orlando, Florida, to serve as his management agency. He also has hired Hollywood agency ICM Partners to pursue media opportunities.
|
|