Monticello — While there might be doom and gloom for many big racing teams,

Stewart-Haas Racing is not one of them. Tony Stewart, the current Sprint Cup

points leader, told reporters at Pocono that his two-car operation was

looking to form a third team.

"We are definitely open to it for sure," said Stewart. "We are

interested for sure. We feel like it is a matter of timing, it is

everything. I don't know that something would happen for next year. I think

we are getting close to the stage of the season where it may get too late to

have that opportunity to add a third car for next year. It is something that

at least as a company we feel comfortable with and feel like with the right

opportunity, that it is definitely possible."

Stewart's teammate, Ryan Newman is seventh in points.

WILL IT BE LOWE'S OR CHARLOTTE

Lowe's Home Improvement Stores announced they would not renew its

naming-rights deal at Lowe's Motor Speedway after the present contract

expires.

Last week the retailer informed Speedway Motorsports Inc., the track's

parent company, of its decision. The initial 10-year, $35 million deal ran

through 2008. Last year the two sides agreed on a one-year extension through

2009.

The two sides have not been able to reach an agreement. Sources said

it's possible for Lowe's to change its mind, given that five months remain

on the current deal and the unpredictable nature of the economy.

Barring a late agreement with Lowe's or the signing of a new corporate

partner, the track is expected to go back to its former name, Charlotte

Motor Speedway in 2010. Industry sources say that SMI initially came to the

table asking for close to $9 million annually, and while that number dropped

over the course of their discussions, the two sides could not reach

agreement.

Lowe's is also evaluating its future with driver Jimmie Johnson, who has

won three straight Cup championships. Their deal with Johnson and Hendrick

Motorsports expires at the end of 2010 and those renewal talks are expected

to begin later this year. Industry sources say that Lowe's will be expected

to pay a hefty increase to maintain its position as the only primary sponsor

on Johnson's No. 48 car.

The most expensive sponsorships go for the mid-$20 million range

annually. Probably the most expensive sponsorship would be that of the No.

88 driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. The total package is in the $30-million

range.

Lowe's earnings fell 22 percent in 2008 and 60 percent in the final

quarter.

SMI officials said they are not presently talking with any other

companies on the naming rights.

Correction: In last week's column, we should have said, Jimmie Johnson

was a repeat winner at the Brickyard.



Weekend Racing: The Cup and Nationwide teams are at Watkins Glen, NY for

their second road course race of the season. The Camping World Trucks do not

race again until Aug. 19.

Sat, Aug. 8, Nationwide Series Zippo 200, race 22 of 35; Starting time:

2:30 pm (EDT); TV: ESPN2.

Sun., Aug. 9, Sprint Cup Series At The Glen, race 22 of 36; Starting

time: 1 pm (EDT); TV: ESPN.



Racing Trivia Question: BMW is leaving Formula 1. Which series are they

considering moving to?

Last Week's Question: Which RCR driver took over Dale Earnhardt Sr's Cup

ride after his death? Answer. Kevin Harvick.



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