Stewart Haas Racing won’t be operational after the 2024 season. As strange as it might sound, this is the harsh reality of Stewart Haas Racing. With Tony Stewart’s priorities changing and Gene Haas already having his hands full with multiple projects, the only option suitable for the team owner was the dissolution of the current team.

After mediocre performances on the racetrack and the departure of their star driver, Kevin Harvick, the team owners made a tough call to shut down the team operations. But this decision by the team owners has now left 323 people stranded in search of new jobs. SHR was a four-charter organization that included engineers, mechanics, pit crews, and other roles that were necessary to keep all four teams running.

The details about the employee count were brought to light by a reporter named Joe Bruno for WSOC-TV who shared the SHR team letter that they had sent to the Department of Commerce uncovering the terms of closure. Although the team is expected to run until December 31, 2024, the employees have been informed about the decision. And the layoff process will begin on November 11, 2024 itself.

However, for some, it is going to be a career switch, while for others, they’ll “remain with the newly named company,” Haas Factory Team, as written in the letter. Gene Haas and his company are set to work on 90-100 employees.

“My commitment to motorsports hasn’t changed, just the scope of my involvement,” Gene Haas told the press in June as he announced his stay in NASCAR.

SHR is currently operating out of 6001 Haas Way, Kannapolis, North Carolina, and the region is blessed with several racing organizations that call it their home. NASCAR’s very own Intimidator, Dale Earnhardt, was born in Kannapolis, but Tony Stewart and his brainchild unfortunately will have to bid farewell to their race shop by the end of this year. And, fans certainly didn’t take this news well and got on Stewart’s back for exiting NASCAR and leaving his employees high and dry.

Frustrated fans pin the blame on Tony Stewart for his team’s departure from NASCAR

One of the key details mentioned in the letter was that Gene Haas had acquired the partnership interest of the other owner. Thus, it was clear that Stewart was looking for a way out of SHR. Reacting to this development, a fan wrote, “So Haas is completely buying out Tony Stewart’s side, and it seems like Tony Stewart was the one who wanted out in the first place.”

The Haas Factory Team, while maintaining its one-car NASCAR Cup Series program, is expanding to field two NASCAR Xfinity Series cars. At 71, Gene Haas remains deeply committed to the NASCAR Cup Series, viewing it as the perfect stage to promote his Haas Automation brand.

When SHR’s exit was announced, the entire fanbase worried about the four drivers’ future. However, now that most of them have found their new rides, fans have realized the worst hit people in the team are the employees. “Such a shame. I hope all are able to find new employment quickly.” 

Additionally, Tony Stewart is focused on his NHRA racing career along with his personal life to start a family with Leah Pruett. But this unsavory end to his NASCAR chapter has left a bitter taste for some of the race fans. “It was obvious that Tony has been losing interest in NASCAR for years. Gene clearly has other ventures but is definitely loyal to the Custers and likes his name on race cars.”

A rather optimistic soul shared his view on the situation, claiming that with the charters going to different teams, there will be a demand for talented individuals. Thus, it would allow the SHR employees to find their new homes. “Hopefully many of these people can find roles with other teams as SHR’s charters are sold and other teams expand to 3 cars.”

After HFT announced Joe Custer as its team president, it didn’t take long before they announced Cole Custer as their only Cup driver. And this angry fan called out Cole Custer and his father Joe for persuading Gene Haas to split the team and stage a comeback for the former Cup Series driver. “You and your dad proud of this? @ColeCuster.”

While Custer remains a motivation for Haas’ Xfinity lineup, he is leading by example. The team has revealed its Xfinity Series driver lineup for next season, with Sheldon Creed taking the wheel of the #00 Ford and Sam Mayer set to drive the #41 Ford. Notably, the team will not field the #98 car next season, leaving its current driver, Riley Herbst, yet to announce his plans. Both drivers were excited as they shared their excitement post-announcement. But what stood out was Creed looking up to Cole Custer.

Sheldon Creed said, “I watched what Cole Custer did last year on his way to the Xfinity Series championship and when I talked with him about the setup of the organization, everything he said resonated with me. I feel like Haas Factory Team is a place where I can succeed, and where Sam and I can work together to win races and be championship contenders.”

However, this can’t foreshadow the darker side. As easy as it might sound, almost 323 employees searching for a new job is a big challenge. Even the teams that have bought the charter would not be able to hand out employment opportunities to all of them.

What are your views on Tony Stewart leaving NASCAR?