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