Tony Stewart Steered SRX Series Was Doomed For Failure and Here is Why 

Everyone was left scratching their heads today when SRX suddenly dropped the bomb about its “postponement” – or what many are fearing might be its final lap. The timing was particularly eyebrow-raising, coming hot on the heels of IROC’s big comeback just two days earlier. The fans thought IROC making a comeback alongside SRX Racing, owned by Tony Stewart, would just be like the rivalry between the High Limit Sprint Car Series, co-owned by Kyle Larson and Brad Sweet, and the World of Outlaws.

But it looks like SRX might have already thrown in the towel. So, what’s the deal? With such a smashing start, what made Tony Stewart and the team hit the brakes on another season? Could this be the final lap for SRX?

SRX’s 2025 return is more a dream than a reality

Today’s announcement from SRX Racing, talking about a 2024 postponement due to market trends, felt more like a swan song, especially with Donald Hawk’s heartfelt thanks to the crew. It’s a letdown for motorsport fans, especially since the 2024 schedule was unveiled just last August. This sudden change, especially hot on the heels of IROC 2.0’s plans, suggests a recent decision.

Launched in 2021, SRX was seen as a modern IROC, aiming to unite top names from various motorsports, including NASCAR and IndyCar, under one roof. The inaugural season was a hit, featuring stars like Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, and Indy 500 champs Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan. The cherry on top? Chase Elliott racing against his dad, Bill Elliott, and local hero Doug Coby stealing the show at Stafford Speedway.

However, the second season started losing steam with Ray Evernham, a founding father alongside Tony Stewart, stepping back. By the third season in 2023, despite Kyle Busch’s debut and back-to-back wins, the series began to mirror a NASCAR-lite version, which was IROC’s downfall too. 

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Then there’s the Middle East race idea – a seeming cash grab that didn’t align with SRX’s core identity of American grassroots racing. By the third season, the series seemed to drift from its original mission, losing its unique appeal. So, even if SRX plans a 2025 comeback, it’s definitely going to face an uphill battle to regain its former glory and distinct identity.

Does Tony Stewart have too much on his plate right now?

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Back in 2023, SRX Racing switched lanes from CBS to ESPN, shifting from Saturday to Thursday nights. But this move wasn’t a crowd-pleaser, as their viewership took a steep dive of 56%. And with just one year into their “multi-year” deal with ESPN, why would the network double down on broadcasting the races again? ESPN’s recent statement, “We enjoyed our relationship with SRX and wish them all the best,” kind of sounds like they’re closing the book on this chapter.

Then there’s the Tony Stewart puzzle. He’s got his hands full, what with expanding his family and stepping in for his wife in NHRA’s top fuel dragster. Plus, he passed the baton of his 410 Sprint car series to Kyle Larson. On top of that, he’s got his plate full of managing his Cup team, Stewart-Haas Racing, especially after Kevin Harvick hung up his helmet in 2023.

Read More: NASCAR News: Shocking Disappointment as Tony Stewart’s SRX Series Cancelled for 2024 Season

Looking at Stewart’s schedule for 2024 and 2025, it seems jam-packed. So, the odds of breathing new life into SRX Racing are looking pretty slim. But hey, we’d love to hear what you think about SRX’s future. Do you see a comeback on the horizon?