Home/NASCAR

via Getty

via Getty

The 2024 season is shaping up to be a treat for NASCAR team bosses with all the new cost-effective measures introduced recently. But while Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks will be grinning ear to ear after finding out that he can use Trackhouse’s favorite digital billboards on the pit lane, the situation over at Stewart-Haas Racing is quite the opposite. At this point, we’re well aware that SHR has not been as competent in 2023 as their previous seasons.

With many claiming the root cause of the issue to be the internal structure and the team’s inability to deliver a solid car to Kevin Harvick and Co. last season, the doubters soon began to wonder if Tony Stewart’s involvement with multiple ventures had diluted his interest in taking SHR back to winning ways. However, just when it seemed like all the stars were stacking up against him, the media department at Stewart-Haas Racing made their intentions clear with their new YouTube video.

Tony Stewart steps up as the ideal leader in a time of crisis for Stewart-Haas Racing

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Only recently, the Formula 1 world was taken by surprise when the beloved team principal of the Haas F1 Team, Guenther Steiner, was ousted from the team by owner Gene Haas for failing to perform in 2023, albeit with limited investment. Not only did this add a lot of pressure on Stewart-Haas Racing internally, but naysayers of the team’s success sprung on the opportunity to claim Tony Stewart’s time of glory as a Cup Series owner had seen the end of its course.

While many were doubtful of the team’s prospects for 2024 after the announcement of Noah Gragson, Ryan Preece, and Josh Berry as the three who would team up with their only driver who had Cup-winning experience, Chase Briscoe, the team’s social media department is hard at work to ensure fans and the doubters are both well aware of how Stewart is taking the charge to turn their fortunes around.

In the video shared on YouTube, Stewart addresses the entire Stewart-Haas Racing staff as he states, “We’ve all got a lot of work to do. We’re looking up the hill. We’re not at the top of the hill looking down anymore, we’re at the bottom of the hill looking up, and this is the group of people that can get us where we need to be. But I’m excited about what we have on tap, I think we got a group of drivers that, for the first time, all truly want to work together to make each other better.”

Tony Stewart not only showcased his confidence in the team’s drivers but also the crew chiefs, signaling to the rest of the team how each member needs to do their part to live up to that mentality. He added, “So I feel like the attitude in the building is really, probably in certain areas, better than it’s ever been. I know we can do this, I really do. When we climb out of this hole we’re in, this is what defines legacies and organizations.”

The recent announcement of Tony Stewart’s All-Star SRX series going on a hiatus made many fans feel it was the perfect time for the boss to take a step back and refocus on the Cup Series. And Stewart’s attitude throughout the team meeting proved just how capable he is as a leader. Stewart shared with his team, “We’re all here for the same reason; To make this organization a championship-winning team again.

Not only did Tony Stewart promptly uplift the entire crew’s morale through his motivational speech, but he also painted the target of becoming a championship-worthy team once again. But what kind of leader doesn’t add an enticing proposition to the mix? Not Tony Stewart, that’s for sure. He concluded, “If we go kick their asses at the Daytona 500, I promise I’ll throw you a hell of a party when we get back here, so, looking forward to it.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Newly Engaged Denny Hamlin Takes The High Road Boasting His Thick Skin

While it’s evident that Stewart-Haas Racing has an established and powerful leader in Tony Stewart, he’s not the only one who has a lot to prove in 2024.

The ‘everything-to-prove’ mentality extends far beyond

Trending

Denny Hamlin Lets Slip NASCAR’s Motive Behind Proposal to Shut Down Teams’ Legal Leverage

Denny Hamlin Backs Kyle Larson’s Claim, Revealing Drivers’ Misery in NASCAR’s Money-Minded Plan

Kevin Harvick Defends Rick Hendrick’s Star Against ‘Malicious’ Accusations From Ryan Blaney

NASCAR Brings in the Big Guns to Crush 23XI Racing & FRM’s Hopes of Ending NASCAR Dictatorship

Denny Hamlin Discloses Commitment to Joe Gibbs Causing a Moral Dilemma in Lawsuit Against NASCAR

Taking a look at SHR’s driver lineup for 2024, it’s safe to say that there isn’t a single man who isn’t eager to make the most of this opportunity. Starting with Noah Gragson, we all know how important this stint with SHR is going to be for the 25-year-old to redeem himself for the inexcusable suspension last year after he was involved in a racially insensitive exchange on social media.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

On the other hand, Josh Berry is on a streak after impressing the entire field when he replaced Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman to deliver solid results for Hendrick Motorsports. And while Berry may not have the Cup experience Tony Stewart would want from his team, the man is an established stock model racer who is only looking to impress further.

Speaking of impressiveness, the conversation lands itself right at Ryan Preece’s doorstep. His mega recovery from last year’s horrifying Daytona crash not only showcased his sheer perseverance but also delivered a solid season, meaning the #41 is in safe hands for 2024. Last, but not least, Chase Briscoe is perhaps the man with the most pressure to perform, as he shared recently.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

READ MORE: “That’s Commitment to the Craft”- NASCAR Enthusiast’s Extensive Craftsmanship Wins Over Harrison Burton & Co.

With every single member of Stewart-Haas Racing eager to prove that the team can get back to winning ways in 2024, do you think Tony Stewart’s leadership will continue to deliver?