Owner/driver Tony Stewart says he doesnt foresee his Stewart-Haas Racing organization expanding to include a third NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team in 2010. Stewart-Haas currently fields the #14 Chevrolet for Stewart as well as the #39 Chevrolet for teammate Ryan Newman. Were at a point in the season right now where were getting close to the Chase [For The Sprint Cup], and were focused on that, Stewart said Tuesday while hosting the second annual Smoke Show fantasy camp at Texas Motor Speedway. We would pretty much have to have the decision, the agreements on all that already done. Wed have to have the driver, the sponsor; wed have to have that done by now to be able for it to be feasible for next year. While Stewart has previously said that he would be open to adding a third team in the future, he said Tuesday that expansion wouldnt come at the sacrifice of performance.(SceneDaily)(8-7-2009)
UPDATE: #14-Tony Stewart, met with members of the media at Watkins Glen International and discussed many topics, including expanding to a third team:
HOW UNLIKELY IS IT THAT YOU WILL RUN A THIRD CAR IN 2010?
Stewart: I dont think weve ruled that out yet. Its getting to the point in the season if were going to do a third team and have a third team for next season it would have to happen pretty quickly. At least having the sponsor and driver lined up to make sure that we have an adequate amount of time to get all the tools and pieces in place for next year. But I would say its not very likely right now.
DID YOU BUILD STEWART-HAAS WITH EXPANSION IN MIND IN TERMS OF SPACE AND EQUIPMENT AND PEOPLE? HOW SIMPLE OR SEAMLESS WOULD IT BE TO EXPAND FROM THAT PERSPECTIVE?
Stewart: “The building is capable of holding three teams for sure. That’s not a problem. It’s just adding people and making sure that the funding is in place. It would be adding a little more equipment and people, but having that funding and the driver is the biggest key.”(GM Racing)(8-7-2009)
