“Just Not Close Enough” – Tony Stewart’s Team’s VP Isn’t Fully Happy About Their Drivers’ Promising Richmond Outing

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Stewart-Haas Racing delivered its best collective performance of the season at Richmond Raceway. The ¾-mile short track witnessed an impressive show by three of SHR’s Cup drivers, Ryan Preece, Kevin Harvick, and Aric Almirola, who secured top-10 finishes, while Chase Briscoe came tantalizingly close to the mark. However, Tony Stewart’s SHR VP expressed delight at the team’s progress but admitted that they fell just short of their ultimate goal.

Tony Stewart and SHR drivers impress in Richmond, but SHR VP wants more as playoffs loom

With the playoff pressure mounting, Tony Stewart and SHR’s drivers knew they had to step up their game to secure coveted spots in the 16-driver playoff field. The Richmond race came as a perfect opportunity for the team to prove its mettle, and the drivers did not disappoint. Ryan Preece showcased his resilience in the #41 Ford, finishing strong in the 5th spot despite a late-race caution threatening his position. Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola delivered solid performances, finishing in the top 10, despite the latter facing midrace pit road penalty troubles. Chase Briscoe’s 11th-place finish was a testament to his recent resurgence after a series of challenging races.

The Vice President and Chief Competition Officer at SHR, Greg Zipadelli, was effusive in praising the team’s collective effort. He acknowledged that they had good cars and executed their strategies efficiently, leading to a commendable outing at Richmond. However, Zipadelli couldn’t hide his desire for a slightly better outcome. Speaking with motorsport.com, he said, “Solid day, solid effort. Just not close enough.”

This acknowledgment hinted at the high standards the team aspires, constantly striving for improvement.

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The Richmond race left everyone at SHR feeling more confident about their prospects. Ryan Preece echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication. The team’s efforts to fine-tune each driver’s preferences and trends have yielded positive results, setting them on an upward trajectory.

As the regular season approaches its climax, SHR faces uncertainty with only four races remaining before the playoff field is set. While Kevin Harvick is well-positioned to secure a playoff berth through points, the same is not true for Preece, Almirola, and Briscoe. These drivers need victories to guarantee their entry into the playoffs, heightening the pressure on the team.

Despite the promising performance at Richmond, Zipadelli remains aware of the team’s weak spots throughout the season. He emphasized the need for a detailed approach, ensuring well-planned and executed aspects, especially when competing against formidable rivals in upcoming races. Mentioning the #10, #14, and #41, Zipadelli said, “Definitely different race tracks ahead, and we need to pay attention to detail, have our t’s crossed and i’s dotted to go run with those other cars. That’s been our weak spot all year as a group.”

Stewart-Haas Racing’s exceptional outing at Richmond Raceway showcased their potential to compete at the highest level of NASCAR Cup racing. Moreover, the road ahead promises more excitement, drama, and triumphs as the drivers push their limits, and the team rallies behind them, fueled by the spirit of competition and a relentless pursuit of victory. Can SHR’s drivers harness this newfound momentum to claim the ultimate prize and etch their names in NASCAR history? Only time will tell, and racing enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the answer.

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