Wednesday, July 9, 2008

SMOKE CLEARS, ON THE MOVE


A move that has been rumored for weeks will become reality today and tomorrow as Tony Stewart will officially announce his intentions to leave Joe Gibbs Racing following the 2008 season, ESPN's Marty Smith is reporting.

At a press conference scheduled for later today, Stewart will announce that he's been released from the final year of his contract with JGR. Then, on Thursday in Chicago, he will unveil his plans for the future: the long-rumored move to Haas/CNC Racing.

ESPN's Smith, citing unnamed sources, also reports that the two-time Cup champion will become co-owner of the organization and the company will be renamed "Stewart Haas Racing". Additionally, Stewart will become the highest paid driver in NASCAR and could drive the #14 for SHR next season.

While no announcement on Stewart's teammate is forthcoming in the coming days, it's still widely believed that Ryan Newman will leave Penske Racing at the end of the year. A source with knowledge of the situation tells Stock Car Talk that an announcement involving Newman and SHR could happen as early as The Brickyard 400 later this month.


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