In 2022, Brad Keselowski will become the driver-owner of the Roush Fenway Racing team. In light of this, former NASCAR champion Tony Stewart opened up on the matter.

Stewart was a part-owner and driver himself, so he has plenty of experience. In a recent conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Stewart talked about Keselowski.

He said, “I remember the day I went and spoke to Joe Gibbs about that. Joe was so mad at me when I told him that I wasn’t renewing my contract.

“The one thing that finally didn’t make him happy, I looked him in the eye and said, ‘Joe this is my opportunity to be like you’. What I meant by that was that I get a chance to be an owner.”

In other words, when he does decide to hang up his boots, he will get a chance to be a team owner. That was the only thing that changed the meeting’s tone.

Stewart acknowledged that Gibbs was initially angry that he wasn’t returning, but eventually understood his reasons.

Tony Stewart gave Brad Keselowski a small warning

Stewart also confessed that Keselowski must be prepared to sacrifice his spare time. He also said that if the team does not perform up to standard, he will have to face the fans’ ire. In other words, it is a huge burden to shoulder the praise for their successes and criticism of failures.

Stewart insisted that being the part-owner will be a lot of work for the outgoing Penske driver. There will be times when the new driver-owner will face problems, and solutions will not come so easily.

However, Stewart is confident that Brad Keselowski will be able to overcome any issues in the short and long run. Of course, the 2021 season is not over yet, and Keselowski still has to see out his Penske contract.

READ MORE: Brad Keselowski to Become Roush Fenway Racing’s Owner-Driver