In the American motorsport scene, NASCAR is a proponent of fan service. From fan service events to regular autograph meetups, and AMA sessions, NASCAR has tried to create a bridge between the sport and its fans. However, sometimes, interactions between NASCAR professionals and fans can go awry. Something similar happened when Tony Stewart’s team, Stewart-Haas Racing, came under fire recently.

A certain fan on Twitter claimed that SHR took a sluggish approach to reuse Kevin Harvick‘s former SunnyD firesuit. With images from Josh Berry’s production day photoshoot coming out, the fan took his chance to criticize SHR. Responding to the critic with a stern answer, Corey LaJoie‘s brother, Casey, elaborated on the process of preparing a fire suit.

Casey LaJoie reveals the reason for NASCAR teams patching older suits

Things did not go well for Tony Stewart and Co. in the past season. Along with their struggles to find outstanding results on the track, a change in drivers with the departure of veterans has been tough for the team. As reflected in Tony Stewart’s words, the team has revamped its identity and will take to the racetrack with a new mentality. Trying to recover from the slump can take some time thought.

That, however, has yet to be considered by some fans. Slamming SHR, the critic tweeted, “I was correct SHR literally had Josh Berry wear Kevin Harvick’s Sunny D fire suit from last year for NASCAR production day because they are that fu***g lazy as a team”

Casey LaJoie has been in and around the production day business for a long time. The former driver is the official photographer of Kaulig Racing and understands how a firesuits are created. Responding with his knowledge of the insider insight, LaJoie wrote, “Terrible take. Teams often patch older suits if they’re in a time crunch. Patching a suit can be done in a day or 2. Firesuits are mostly made overseas & take 5-8 weeks to produce. That doesn’t even include the time it takes to design it & get final approval from the sponsors.” 

Tony Stewart might have been diverted by his attention toward extra-curricular racing in circuits like SRX and Top Fuel, but he aims to bring the lost glory back with the rebranded SHR. Surprisingly, criticism hasn’t bothered him often as he looks forward to bringing back the good days of SHR.

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After the 2023 Cup Series season ended, eight sponsors, including some major names like Anheuser-Busch and Smithfield Foods, left Tony Stewart’s side. The situation seemed alarming to the fans. And why wouldn’t it? With new drivers gearing to fill some pretty big championship-size shoes, a sponsor crisis was the last thing the team needed.

Despite these losses, there are still 25 sponsoring companies allied to Tony Stewart’s team. SunnyD, the sponsor for the production day firesuit of Josh Berry, renewed its contract for a 9th season with the team. As far as sponsors are concerned, SHR has retained all of its attraction.

With Harrison’s coming in for the No.4 Ford sponsorship, plenty of options remain on the table. What’s left is to make some announcements for Noah Gragson’s #10 team. With the Busch Light Clash approaching quite quickly, SHR must make haste.

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