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By Steve McCormick, About.com Guide to NASCAR Racing since 1997

Is it Time For Tony Stewart to Leave JGR?

Monday April 28, 2008
Tony Stewart stirred up the NASCAR world recently when word slipped out that he was exploring the idea of leaving Joe Gibbs Racing. Among the rumored issues is that Stewart wants to be a NASCAR Sprint Cup car owner and that opportunity is not available to him with Gibbs.

What are Stewart's current options for the future? Which ones make the most sense? The answer varies depending on what Stewart really wants for his future.

  • Comments (16)
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Comments

April 28, 2008 at 10:33 pm
(1) Jeff says:

What kind of question is that? Of course he needs to stay at Gibbs. If he were to leave Gibbs, it would be the dumbest descision in NASCAR history.

April 29, 2008 at 9:05 am
(2) TLabonte Fan says:

So far the dumbest decision(s) in NASCAR history is owned by Gannassi/Sabates and their open wheel losers, with Hendricks running a close second for cutting Kyle Busch loose to get Earnhardt Jr., and keeping Casey Mears. Talk about D-U-M-B, dumb on both counts?!
However, I agree with Jeff, this is an even dumber idea than those. Stewart is a hot headed smart a**, but I dont think he is crazy.

April 29, 2008 at 9:43 am
(3) NASCAR Nellie says:

Leave Joe Gibbs? No way!! I think Joe will open his heart and purse strings and make Tony a “franchise” player.

April 29, 2008 at 11:20 am
(4) WebCowboy says:

NO ! He needs to leave NASCAR ! Who needs him !

April 29, 2008 at 1:04 pm
(5) jason says:

I think Tony could drive a race car to victory lane with any team. I think if Gibbs is smart, he’ll consider letting Tony own one of his teams.

April 30, 2008 at 12:11 am
(6) 9fan says:

I think it will hurt JGR if Tony leaves. I also think it may hurt Tony. In the past we should have learned—OWNERS/DRIVERS usually do not do well. It would be nice to see Tony own his own team, I just think he should hire a driver and HE should stay at JGR. Even Dale DID NOT drive his own car. Some have tried, most have failed. I dont want to see Tony fail.. Tony DRIVE FOR JOE!!! Build your own team and hire a driver.

April 30, 2008 at 9:38 am
(7) DALE SR FAN says:

I hpoe not he has been the only driver to been with the same team and has had the as sposoner and the same crew I LIKE HIS QOITE NOTHING HIS BROKE AT JGR AND HE GOES TO HAVE HIS IN TIME i do wish him the best and DALE SR. DROVE FOR RCR AND STARTED DEI SO I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT HE MIGHT BE THE NEXT BIG THING TO DO THINGS HIS WAY.

April 30, 2008 at 11:43 am
(8) BIGBOBSR says:

WHO CARES??????

April 30, 2008 at 1:20 pm
(9) Cheryl Huerta says:

HOLY COW…doesn’t anyone who reads this column ever have anything positive to say about anyone or anything except Dale Jr.?

Here’s my question…drivers change team owners all the time in NASCAR and it’s simply the name of the game…no hard feelings. So why on earth does everyone get so wound up when a big name driver is looking for a change?

Life is all about change whether we want things to change or not. I say Tony should do whatever his gut tells him to do and he shouldn’t care what anyone thinks about it (most especially the fans). He will no doubt do it with class like most of the other drivers do and leave JGR with all ‘bridges’ completely in tact. When the time comes I’m sure JD and Joe will send Tony off with a big thanks for everything a pat on the back and sincere best wishes (as long as he honors his current contract to 2009 which he most likely will).

I don’t get it. People who are living the dream in NASCAR don’t make a big deal out of this stuff so why do the media and the fans get so crazy about it? You can understand the media somewhat because they think it’s their job to create controversy (for their ratings) but the fans????????

April 30, 2008 at 1:40 pm
(10) Smoke62 says:

No matter what anyone thinks, It’s Tony’s decision to make. I, personally,would like to see Tony stay at JGR, but he must do what he has to. He’s only trying to look to the future. He’s not going to be driving forever, so he’s trying to get something going to give him close ties to it. After racing he still wants to be a part of it and ownership is it.

May 1, 2008 at 12:41 pm
(11) outdoorsman6972 says:

Everyone is right about Tony staying with gibbs,It’s easier to just to drive than to be a driver and own there own car..

May 1, 2008 at 7:23 pm
(12) woblehead says:

Maybe he wants to drive an American car..I’d be happier if he did..’course I’m one of the old school Nascar fans…

May 2, 2008 at 8:03 am
(13) WALTRIP55 says:

Toyota is as much as an American brand as Chevy,Ford,or Dodge.A great deal of their parts are manufactured outside this country,thanks to NAFTA,and they are only assembled here.It has been this way for many years.Wait til Honda,or Nissan,wants to play in NASCAR. Whatever Stewart does,I hope he can get back to being more competitive every week.I am surprised that no conspiracy has surfaced concerning the fact that his teamates are outrunning him,maybe they are getting all the best equipment from Gibbs lol.

May 2, 2008 at 11:19 pm
(14) Stewhead says:

Well, look you guys, Smoke knows what he wants already, he is just trying to look at the big picture for his future, none of these drivers drive forever and those who were lucky enough to survive have all moved on,in one direction or another and Smoke realizes this. But, for now he will stay with Gibbs, if he wanted to leave he would have told them right out. One other note Zippy has always said were Smoke goes, I go and Tony has said likewise. He knows what side his bread is buttered on. Thank You listening.

May 4, 2008 at 8:05 am
(15) TLO22 says:

Who really cares as long as he just GOES!

May 5, 2008 at 9:00 am
(16) Mick20 says:

Did anyone besides me watch the Arca Remax race @ the Rock yesterday? This kid Joey Logano who is only 17 won the race. He almost laped the field in doing so! He showed skills beyond his years. Oh, did I mention that he will be moving to the Nationwide searies as soon as he turns 18 (this month)& will be driving for JGR!! Maybe this is one of the reasons Tony is looking at all options, just in case. You all know that I am a Tony fan, a big Tony fan & I hope he stays with JGR but if not I will stay a Tony fan!!! Maybe JGR will move to a 4 car team in the 2010 season? If this kid does as well in the Cup series, JGR could become the next team to dominate the series!!! It is going to be fun to watch!

Go Tony Go

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