In the realm of NASCAR, where success hinges not only on victories and skills but also on unwavering consistency, a poignant truth endures: supremacy demands seamless harmony between driver and machine. Effort alone falls short. And devoid of teamwork and a dependable car, desolation awaits. The ill luck that befell the No. 98 team in the Xfinity series is the latest chapter in Tony Stewart’s ongoing season of misfortunes.

A somber reminder that, in this capricious domain, triumph materializes only when driver and machinery unite in purpose.

Challenges plague Riley Herbst amid Tony Stewart’s woes

With half a decade in the Xfinity Series and 2 pole positions under his belt, Riley Herbst eagerly chases his inaugural victory lap. Yet, recent work on-track team dramas cast a shadow on his quest, suggesting that the winner’s circle remains elusive. Renowned as a powerhouse in the NASCAR realm, Stewart-Haas Racing has, unfortunately, been making headlines for less-than-ideal reasons of late. Their drought in the cup series appears to have tailed ‘Smoke,’ shifting over to Xfinity and latching itself to Herbst’s endeavors.

With a promising season launch and consistently strong showings, it initially appeared as though the playoffs were all but a guarantee for this SHR driver. Nevertheless, a retrospective gaze spanning the last three races, coupled with the impending playoffs on the horizon, reveals a disheartening reality: the once-promising hopes and opportunities for the playoffs are now slipping through Herbst’s grasp like sand.

The Wawa 250 at Daytona was another disappointing addition to mounting mechanical setbacks for the SHR squad. The winning laps of the first stage witnessed a reversed screw in the steering box tearing away the fender and triggering a cascade of issues resulting in a shredded left front tire. Despite the crew making quick work of the Monster Energy Ford Mustang, the ordeal dropped Herbst three laps behind.

After a series of cautions that helped him close the gap to the grid, the team just barely scrapped a disappointing 24th place. Recent races recite a tale of frustration; transmission problems at Watkins Glen that led to a DNF, and prior mechanical woes have left him teetering 20 points beneath the playoff cutline. The once-open passageway to the playoffs is now narrowing, indicating a career-low for the Nevada native.

As per tobychristie.com, Herbst post-race lamented, “We didn’t have a night. It was just despicable what happened. Last week we had a malfunction on the racecar, and this week we had a malfunction on the racecar. Twenty points out, two races to go.”

“Just disappointed more than anything. I don’t know how we can fight for a championship when we can’t even keep it running. I’ve never been more frustrated in my life, this is extremely hard to swallow.”

Read More: NASCAR Veteran Picks His Top 4 Ford’s As He Ignores Tony Stewarts SHR, Negating Any Chance of Seeing Them at Glen.

Stewart-Haas Racing’s fall from grace

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Talking about setbacks, the air of disappointment surrounding team owner Tony Stewart has become an undeniable reality and a bitter pill to swallow for devoted fans of the NASCAR legend. In a recent GoPRNLive podcast, Lee Spencer expressed her astonishment at SHR’s performance, questioning their efficacy, saying, “Given the performance from Stewart-Haas Racing, you have to wonder, are they the best solution for the Blue Oval moving forward?”

BRISTOL, TN – JUNE 10: Team owner Tony Stewart watches his driver and wife during the Motorsport, Herren, USA, Dragster Drag Race Thunder Valley Nationals on June 10, 2023 at the Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tennessee. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire AUTO: JUN 10 NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon9532306100464Speaking about Kevin Harvick‘s playoff presence but lack of competitive edge, she added, “This is not the way we all wanted to see Kevin Harvick go out of this sport because we know his contributions to the sport, Motorsports in general. If Kevin Harvick can’t be competitive at Stewart Haas Racing, you have to be there and scratching your head.”

To this, Kyle Petty chimed in, emphasizing, “I think the speed at which they’ve fallen from grace is the mind-blowing part.”

WATCH THIS STORY: A Sobering Reminder NASCAR World Joins Tony Stewart As They Mourn Tragic Demise of Teammate

Now, the pivotal question remains: Can the team overcome them and shift into high gear, laying the foundation for a resolute comeback? Meanwhile, Herbst seizes another opportunity at Daytona—this time in the Cup series. This marks his third entry, following a notable P10 finish in his Daytona 500 Cup debut race.