Stewart Haas Racing

Stewart-Haas Racing is an American professional stock car racing team that competes in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The franchise was created in October 2002 by a professional stock car racing driver, Gene Haas, under the name Haas CNC Racing. In 2009, the franchise adopted the Stewart-Haas Racing name, when three-time NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart joined as co-partner and driver. This team headquarters is in Kannapolis, North Carolina, and is affiliated with the Formula One team, Haas F1 Team. However, the two teams operate independently.

Legends like Tony Stewart have driven for Stewart-Haas Racing. For the 2024 season, the team fields four cars in the NASCAR Cup Series: Josh Berry's No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Noah Gragson's No. 10, Chase Briscoe's No. 14, and Ryan Preece's No. 41. All drivers are known for their competitive excellence, and Stewart-Haas Racing has made a huge impact throughout the sport.

From its commencement, Stewart-Haas Racing has become an influential team in American auto racing (NASCAR) winning in all three divisions with national tours. The team initially raced with Chevy engines and cars were supplied by Hendrick Motorsports, but later shifted to Ford engines and started house-making chassis with effect from 2017. In 2024, the team is set to close at the end of the season, with Gene Haas seeking to transition it into the Haas Factory Team for the 2025 season.

Stewart-Haas Racing History

Stewart-Haas Racing was founded in April 2002 by Gene Haas, following his tenure as an associate sponsor for Hendrick Motorsports. Originally named Haas CNC Racing, the group entered NASCAR's Winston Cup Series in 2003 with Jack Sprague as its driver, fielding the No.0 vehicle sponsored by NetZero. Haas partnered with Hendrick Motorsports for technical support for vehicles and engines. Initially, the team ran Chevrolets during the races. However, they switched to Pontiac for the 2003 season, before returning to Chevrolet when Pontiac exited the sport in 2004. Haas CNC also entered the Busch Series, competing part-time in 2003 and full-time the following year.

In a pivotal move, two-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart joined the crew in 2009, securing a 50% ownership stake. Stewart had formerly raced for Joe Gibbs Racing but was disappointed with their transfer to Toyota and sought a return to Chevrolet. Stewart's arrival brought large sponsorship and experienced personnel, as well as a stronger partnership with Hendrick Motorsports. The group was rebranded as Stewart-Haas Racing and quickly became a competitive force in NASCAR.

In 2017, Stewart-Haas Racing made some other significant shifts by transitioning to Ford, receiving engines from Roush-Yates Engines. The crew also restarted its Xfinity Series series program and continued its racing in NASCAR. However, in 2024, Tony Stewart announced that the team would shut down at the end of the season, resulting in the sale of several charters and the elimination of 323 jobs. Gene Haas will hold one charter, reorganising the team as Haas Factory Team, so the team can continue to operate the two Xfinity Series teams.

Stewart-Haas Racing Owners

Stewart-Haas Racing is owned jointly by Tony Stewart and Gene Haas. Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most respected drivers, became co-owner in 2009. Stewart brought his extensive racing experience to the team when he left Joe Gibbs Racing, acquired a 50% stake, and significantly influenced the team’s competitive performance.

Haas Automation founder Gene Haas originally founded the team as Haas CNC Racing in 2002. Haas, a successful businessman and car enthusiast, formed the team to remain involved in NASCAR, initially using a Chevrolet engine and chassis with the help from Hendrick Motorsports. In 2009, when Stewart joined as co-owner, the team was renamed Stewart-Haas Racing.

With the team set to close at the end of the year in 2024, Gene Haas has announced plans to restructure the organisation as a Haas factory group for 2025, continuing its legacy in the motorsports industry.

Stewart-Haas Racing Crew Chief

Rodney Childers

Currently, the team leader for the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, driven by Josh Berry. Childers is best known for his long-standing partnership with Kevin Harvick, which brought about SHR's 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. His leadership and strategic expertise have made him a pivotal parent in SHR's success.

Johnny Klausmeier

Crew chief for the No. 14 team, driven by Chase Briscoe. Klausmeier has been a vital part of Stewart-Haas Racing for many years, contributing to the crew's ongoing achievements with a focus on innovation and performance within the Cup Series.

Greg Zipadelli

A legendary figure in Stewart-Haas Racing, Zipadelli served as Tony Stewart's group chief and played a key position in Stewart's two Cup Series championships with the group, including the memorable 2011 title run. He is remembered as one of NASCAR’s most successful and revered crew chiefs.

Stewart-Haas Racing competed in several national and regional NASCAR divisions, winning big in both the Cup and Xfinity Series. The team’s success included championships, race wins, and pole positions in series. The team’s most significant accomplishments were the NASCAR Cup Series, where they won two championships and 70 race victories.

List of Stewart-Haas Racing Drivers

Below is a list of current and past drivers who have raced for Stewart-Haas Racing, along with the years they were associated with the team

List of Stewart-Haas Racing Champions