Stewart-Haas Racing Shares Heartfelt Message To Fans After Closure

Stewart-Haas Racing has shared an emotional message to its fans after the conclusion of the 2024 season in Phoenix. The team announced earlier in the year that it would be closing its NASCAR operations at the end of the current season. This decision ends an era for a team that has garnered remarkable success and a loyal fan base over the years.

SHR shared to social media:

"To Our Stewart-Haas Fans, you've cheered with us, and yes, sometimes even booed us. You showed up passionately and proudly. And we've felt your presence through the highs and lows.

"It's been the ride of a lifetime to be part of this sport and to play a small role in entertaining you all. As we close this final lap, we want to say thank you. Your energy has been felt in each moment and mile. And we'll carry your support with us always."

Founded originally as Haas CNC Racing by Gene Haas in 2002, the organization witnessed significant transformation in 2009 when NASCAR champion Tony Stewart came on board as a co-owner. With a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, SHR quickly established itself as a formidable force in NASCAR.

Noah Gragson, driver of the #10 Nitro Circus Ford, Stewart-Haas Racing owners, Gene Haas and Tony Stewart poses for photos on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on... Sean Gardner/Getty Images

The team secured over 100 victories and several championships, including its first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2011, guided by Stewart and crew chief Darian Grubb. The team enjoyed numerous highs including Tony Stewart's win at the 2011 championship and Kurt Busch's victory in the 2017 Daytona 500.

The announcement of the closure was followed by a tribute video featuring team members discussing their memorable experiences with the team. Chase Briscoe, the No. 14 car driver, reminisced about the celebratory atmosphere following his win at the Southern 500 in 2024.

"Just the feeling of winning the Southern 500 in that following week after. You know, coming into the shop on that Tuesday and doing the celebration toast was probably the coolest thing I've ever experienced here."

Meanwhile, Rodney Childers, the crew chief of the 2014 championship-winning team, acknowledged the invaluable friendships and connections formed throughout his time at SHR.

"For me, it comes to friendship and people."

Despite the team's remarkable achievements, SHR faced a series of challenges that influenced its decision to close. The demands of racing, requiring extraordinary resources and commitment, coupled with shifts in sponsorship models and a lack of manufacturer support, placed immense pressure on the organization. As SHR candidly explained, sustaining peak performance while ensuring future viability proved increasingly difficult.

Tony Stewart, co-owner of SHR, addressed the closure with transparency during an episode of the Harvick Happy Hour podcast. Stewart described the decision to cease operations as "more bitter than sweet." He explained, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:

"I don't know that it's even bittersweet. It's more bitter than sweet, I feel like," Stewart said. "It's a tough decision, but things in life change. Your priorities change, and variables outside of your control change as well.

"NASCAR... you and I have been around it for a long time.

"It is not what it used to be. It is drastically different than what it used to be. And that's ok for some people, and for some people it's not. I guess I'm one of those people."