Tony Stewart and SHR’s exit is driven by a combination of tough challenges and new ventures. The team has struggled to adapt to the Next Gen car, falling behind rivals like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. Losing major sponsors like Smithfield and Anheuser-Busch also hit their financial stability hard, and with their partnership with Ford ending after the 2024 season, staying competitive became increasingly difficult.

As Stewart and co-owner Gene Haas turned their attention to new business interests—Haas investing in Formula One and Stewart starting an NHRA drag racing team—they made the tough decision to shut down SHR after the 2024 season. Acknowledging the demanding nature of NASCAR, they realized it was time to pass the torch. But while many fans are supportive of Tony Stewart’s decisions, there have been a few who have been getting on his nerves with their opinion. In a recent interview, Tony Stewart addresses these fans and calls them out for speaking with a lack of understanding.

Tony Stewart is not taking dirt from fans anymore

Tony Stewart didn’t hold back when he called out some NASCAR fans who, in his view, just don’t get it. As he reflects on the end of his 16-year run with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), Stewart finds himself struggling with the emotional weight of closing down a team that’s been part of his life for nearly two decades. Yet, in true Tony Stewart fashion, he’s upfront about his emotions and frustration with certain fans who, as he put it, “don’t have a life” and are quick to throw shade online without understanding the real story.

For Tony Stewart, this isn’t just about shutting down a business—it’s deeply personal yet hard for him as evident in the video as he spoke to Jason Stein. Not only has he invested years of hard work, sweat, and sacrifice into building SHR, he took it from being a struggling two-car team into a powerhouse that’s won two championships and 70 races. It’s a legacy he’s proud of, and he’s aware of the impact the team shutting down has on his employees and their families, Stewart even got emotional as he said, “It’s definitely going to be a sad day,” as he reflected on the last day. That’s why he’s frustrated with some fans who only see the surface, using this situation as another opportunity to “talk crap,” as he put it, without considering the bigger picture.

But it was his frustration with the critics that really stood out. During an interview on Cars and Culture with Jason Stein, Stewart said “So when you sit there and get on social media and you read these idiots that don’t know what they’re talking about—they just don’t like me, so there’s anything that they can latch onto to talk crap about us—that’s what they do.” This was his way of calling out the ignorance he sees in parts of the NASCAR fanbase, who jump to conclusions without understanding the hard work and tough decisions behind SHR’s closure.

Stewart also explained that the team had worked hard to ensure their employees were taken care of during this transition. He noted, “We worked really, really hard to make sure that we took care of our people because we have those relationships with those people. They’re people we care about.” 

Although Tony Stewart is leaving NASCAR, he is not going out with a bang, so let’s take a look at who will be sponsoring the SHR car for the season finale at Pheonix.

Stewart Haas Racing to be sponsored by Texas A&M

Texas A&M University is stepping into the NASCAR spotlight on November 10 as the primary sponsor for the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford Mustang, driven by Josh Berry, during the Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

This special ride will sport a camouflage and maroon design that pays tribute to veterans, perfectly timed just ahead of Veterans Day. With a rich history of honoring those who serve, Texas A&M’s partnership with Stewart-Haas is not just about racing; it’s a heartfelt acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by military families.

As the final primary sponsor of the iconic No. 4, which boasts an impressive record of 37 wins and a championship title, Texas A&M aims to showcase its commitment to veterans and higher education, especially for those who have served.

“We’re honored to partner with Texas A&M University,” said Joe Custer, president of Stewart-Haas Racing, and future president of Haas Factory Team, reflecting on the significance of this collaboration and the shared values between the university and the racing community.