Published: July 15, 2008 02:52 pm            

STEWART SIGNS FISHY DEAL

Monticello — Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart has set his

NASCAR future, and it's as an owner and driver with Stewart-Haas Racing

beginning in 2009.

Hopefully, his decision won't come back to bite him.

"This is an incredible opportunity 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 said. "I've won races and I've won

championships and I know I could've 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's a whole new sense of appreciation and

satisfaction that comes with success when you're both a driver and an

owner."

According to Stewart, his financial payment into the team was minimal.

"But, having that opportunity and being given 50 percent of an operation

to come in and not only drive but be part of it was something that was a

huge variable to us. It basically led to our decision and where we are

today," said Stewart.

Stewart-Haas Racing is slated to run two cars full-time in the 2009

Sprint Cup Series. There have been rumors that Ryan Newman, who now drives

the No. 12 for Penske Racing will be the second driver, but Stewart would

not confirm that.

Currently the two Haas CNC cars are driven by Scott Riggs (No. 66) and

Jason Leffler (No. 70). Both are outside the top-35 in points.

"You know, having 50 percent of this race team is something that's

huge," continued Stewart. "But I look forward to it. Haas CNC is a company

that's spent a lot of their own money to build this operation, and has spent

a lot out of their pocket. I'm hoping to come in as a driver ­ not only as a

driver ­ but as an equal partner in this and be able to attract sponsorship

to where now Haas CNC doesn't have to spend that money out of their pocket

to where we can make it pay for itself.

"So, you know, I don't think, something like this has ever been

offered. I don't think any driver's ever been offered 50 percent equity in

an organization, and, you know, that made this such an appealing offer."

I can't help but believe there is a rat somewhere. Companies don't give

away half ownership of a team worth tens of millions of dollars, even if

they are doing poorly. During the press conference on Thursday, Haas CNC

general manager Joe Custer said, Stewart was bringing "his heart" with him,

and that was his contribution.

Something's fishy here. I don't know what it is, but it smells. It might

be some time before we understand the "other side" of the deal, but trust

me, there's a dark side to it.

Gene Haas, whose company owns Haas CNC Racing and will lose 50 percent

of the new Stewart-Haas Racing, was not involved in the process of

attracting Tony Stewart as a partner, Custer said.

Last November, Haas was sentenced to two years in federal prison after

pleading guilty to one count of tax fraud. He entered a California federal

correctional facility in January and is expected, with good behavior, to be

released in May, 2009.

Weekend Racing: The Cup teams have the weekend off in preparation for

the July 27, Brickyard 400. The Nationwide Series is at Gateway

International Raceway, just outside St. Louis, MO, while the Craftsman

Trucks are at Kentucky Speedway.

July 19, Craftsman Trucks Built Ford Tough 225, Starting time: 7:30 p.m.

(EST); TV: Speed.

July 19, Nationwide Series Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250, Starting

time: 9 p.m. (EST); TV: ESPN2.

Racing Trivia Question: Who won the Inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994?

Last Week's Question: Which track hosts the first Chase race of the

season? Answer: The first Chase race of the season will be held at New

Hampshire.

You may contact the Racing Reporter at: hodgesnews@earthlink.net.

        

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