Smoke Movin'? SI Links Stewart, Haas CNC

Tony Stewart's contract is set to expire in 2009 at Joe Gibbs Racing, and apparently that "bone of contention" -- according to Sports Illustrated -- has shuffled the deck for the two-time Sprint Cup champion.

So much so, in fact, that SI is saying sources have told them that Stewart is already negotiating a contract with Haas CNC Racing. In other words, SI is claiming that Tony Stewart is leaving Joe Gibbs Racing for greener pastures at Haas in 2009:

Sources tell SI.com that Stewart is working on the final stages of a deal to move from Joe Gibbs Racing to Haas CNC next season. Considering the ramifications of such a move, no one's admitting anything quite yet, as you'd expect. When reached for comment, Haas CNC Racing spokesman Ron Mench claims there's been no communication between Stewart and the organization. Stewart's PR spokesman Mike Arning was noncommittal ("I've heard what you've heard," when asked about Haas CNC) but he reminded SI that Stewart's contract with Gibbs runs through the 2009 season.

"Noncommittal" is not a word that I'd want to be hearing if I were a Tony Stewart or Joe Gibbs Racing fan. "Noncommittal" seems to always mean that something other than what was anticipated is in the works.

Yes, my friends, Tony Stewart's contract has officially become a major issue for the Sprint Cup garage to handle heading to Talladega Superspeedway for Sunday's race.

But does this report really mean anything? You can bet we'll find out -- either solidly or with body language -- this weekend at Talladega. Stewart, who has started driving Toyotas in 2008 after JGR's switch from Chevrolet, has been decidedly against discussing any contract concerns with the media.

Perhaps there was a reason behind that?

What say you? Is Tony movin' or stayin'? Would Haas (with its Hendrick Motorsports support) be a good fit for Stewart?

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - APRIL 20: Carl Edwards drives the #60 Scotts Watersmart Ford down the front stretch during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Corona Mexico 200 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on April 20, 2008 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)

4-24-2008 @ 12:50AM

Don Emerson said...

I say let him go and make room for some new talent at Gibbs. Let's face it, Stewart has peaked as a driver and is on the downside of his driving career. It won't be long before he is using his championship to gain entry for races he can't make on speed. He should talk to Bill Elliot to see if he really wants to go down that road. There is even some talk of Stewart returning to open wheel racing, but his reflexes and competitive spirit have declined so much that he would only be a joke in an indy car. Hang it up Tony, at least you can leave like a man, even though you've acted like a fat spoiled cry baby. Works for me.......

4-24-2008 @ 6:50AM

art said...

i hope he drives anything but a toyota

4-24-2008 @ 7:54AM

Jeff Turk said...

I for one am glad to see it this is an american race not international like the morons have made it.Dale sr. is clapping and having a party, if he were still here this never would have happened( Toyota racing shit)

4-24-2008 @ 7:55AM

Diane said...

I would be happy to see Tony leave Joe Gibbs racing. Joe Gibss operation is a class act and Tony just doesn't fit.

4-24-2008 @ 8:03AM

Bill said...

Tony who? Is doing what?

4-24-2008 @ 8:11AM

wetink100 said...

The fan who mentioned Dale,Sr. needs to wake up.
That great driver was a loose cannon whom Nascar NEVER put their foot down as he wrecked so many other drivers. Intimidator? Never, just a guy who had a million dollar skill and a $2.00 head.
get over him!
T.W.

4-24-2008 @ 8:20AM

Joe Vala said...

I'm no SMoke fan, but let's get real here; he's the best all around talent in NASCAR, and I'd say he's probably one of the 5 best all around in the world. Yes, he likes to play like he's a badd azz and all when if fact the Buddy Bakers and David Pearsons of the world in their prime would've eaten his lunch, but he can wheel anything, anywhere. I have tremendous respect for him and wish him the best if he leaves Gibbs

4-24-2008 @ 8:24AM

Chester Huffman said...

Good he has won to many championship already, PLEASE MOVE.

4-24-2008 @ 8:32AM

Ladyrock said...

BYE TONY!!!!! I have met him in person and he's a REAL JERK, and thats being nice about it too!

4-24-2008 @ 9:00AM

Ttony said...

Why is everyone afraid of Toyota. They make very good cars, perhaps the best.

4-24-2008 @ 8:35AM

Rob Sheffield said...

I hope that this move is a result of nascars sellout to toyota !I'm not a tony fan....but totally against any of the traitors who choose to seelout to toyota. I can only hope nascar chokes on all the $$$ they were paid to open the door for them...

4-24-2008 @ 8:37AM

Terri said...

Tony Stewart is the best race driver around - if he moves it is because he is dedicated to Chevrolet not because of Joe Gibbs - Tony makes NASCAR what it is today - he is the only one who has the guts to say what he feels - Johnson, Gordon, Earnhart are just puppets for Rick Hendricks - they talk and dress and act the way they do to please Hendricks - they all 3 are a big joke - Tony is himself and I hope he stays that way - Go Tony - you are the best:))

TK1

4-24-2008 @ 8:44AM

janie fraback said...

i been following tony since 99, he's got talent, he's a great driver. if thats what he wants then there is a reason. i follow tony not the car and not joe gibbs, tony can drive anything.........

4-24-2008 @ 8:43AM

marilyn delmonico said...

leave the smoke alone!!! there is nothing wrong with speaking openly like he does. he tells it like it is. if nascar looses him its another sad day for racing fans.he adds excitement to any race. i for one would not want to see him leave.

4-24-2008 @ 8:46AM

eric said...

i hope he leaves and goes to haas and drives a american car to hell with that toyota sucking joe gibbs

4-24-2008 @ 8:49AM

Karen Ann said...

'ol #20 is a huge draw in NASCAR ... he's my favorite too. I bet if you met Stewart in person, off the track, he'd be simply one/of/the/boys. I like how he calls it as he sees it but then he can since he's so good for the sport. Wherever he goes, we'll follow him but I'd be sorry to see him leave Gibbs.

Sheck said...

I think its a good move. Tony has never liked driving a Jap car. I think its slap in the face "Jr. France " even let them in. He is a puppet who could not get a job if his name had not been France. Where ever he goes he will be successful. How about giving him Casey Mears seat in the Hendrick car.. Talk about a Super team". You would have one then.

4-24-2008 @ 9:01AM

dee said...

I hope Tony does leave. I hated seeing him drive a Toyota he's a Chevy guy.

4-24-2008 @ 8:58AM

A Conservative Lady said...

I know times are expanding and new things are going to pop up. Yet, I am dead set against foreign cars, (toyota), or any other cars that are not American made...Sorry, I am from the old school and I really loved the old way of NASCAR racing. Don't care for going into another country, (Mexico), to race either. NASCAR was born in America, it needs to stay in America...so, Tony, best wishes on your move. At least someone has the guts to stand up and say 'enough'...I love the 'True American Race', NASCAR...WAKE UP!

4-24-2008 @ 8:55AM

CHUCK said...

IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION SO NOW I MUST TELL YOU, TONY ANT ALL THAT- HE NEEDS TO LEARN THAT YOU CATCH MORE FLYS WITH HONEY THAN YOU DO WITH BEER AND A "BIG MOUTH"!
SOMEONE SAID SOMETHING ABOUT RICK HENDRICK, HE'S THE KIND OF MAN YOU WISH YOUR FATHER WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE- KIND-LOVIN-UNDERSTANDING-"RICH" LOL
QUIT CRYING, DON'T SAY ANOTHER WORD JUST SUCK IT UP AND QUIT CRYING.....