Tony's leaving--the follow-up | NASCAR is a sport's Blog

Elaborating further on the top story in NASCAR, and picking up where I had left off (on my "Gibbs Racing..." blog) on the topic:

I think I'm over the initial shock of this, but I still say it's a mistake Tony's making. But, I need to clarify for everyone a line in Tony's reasoning for this decision.

The line involves his various non-NASCAR deals...the World of Outlaws teams he owns, his USAC teams, etc. He said he bases his operations of those teams on what he's learned from JGR. All fine and good, but...

Since my re-involvement with NASCAR coincides with Joe Gibbs launching his effort back in '91 (it was announced in the summer of '91, though it took to the track in '92), this makes me more than qualified to point out it was not smooth sailing at first. It was a struggle those first 3 years, having Hendrick supply tech support and parts.

Even when B-Lab signed on to take over the #18 in '95, he finished 12th in points. But that year, JGR's in-house engine program started up...not to mention the chemistry was now working. The rest, you all know.

Now, I've laid this out as a primer to those of you who think the new Stewart/Haas Racing will come off the starting blocks an instant contender once the 2009 season starts. It ain't happening, troops. Give it 3 or 4 years, however, and perhaps it'll work out fine.

Problem is, can Tony wait that long??

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July 10, 2008 02:28 PM ET

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Tony might have a shot at a win or 2 but not the Cup. It's gonna take a few years before that. I wish Tony the best though, he's a great driver and he will be able to make this work, it's just gonna take some time. Great Blog guys!

Freebird is AWESOM-O

Biloxi , MS

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July 10, 2008 04:06 PM ET

Running an WoO program and a small dirt track in Ohio is great, but it's those two different worlds are far apart.

Red Zone

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July 10, 2008 04:26 PM ET

Had a power surge from a storm as I was posting. The last post should have read:

Running a WoO program and a small dirt track in Ohio are great. Compared with a Sprint Cup team, the worlds are far apart.

July 10, 2008 06:02 PM ET

I think even Tony knows that, RZ. I'm not debating that point.
I saw the press conference. There's still a lot of unanswered questions, for me. Notably:
1) Sponsors??
2) Why didn't TONY approach JGR about equity?? (None of this "family business" crap, either. Hendrick is family-owned, and HE gave up the #17 to DW...not to mention giving Gordon equity.)
3) Who's his teammate to be?? IS it Riggs?? Newman?? What gives??
Anybody else got questions, here's the place to ask 'em.