Bittersweet weekend on tap for Tony Stewart at Homestead

By Jared Turner - SceneDaily Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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Tony Stewart will make his final start for Joe Gibbs Racing in Sunday's Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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A long, successful tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing will come to an end for Tony Stewart with Sunday’s 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

For Stewart, who is leaving to become an owner/driver next season at the new Stewart-Haas Racing, the occasion figures to be a bittersweet one.

The driver has earned all 33 of his NASCAR Cup victories and both of his Cup titles with the team, where he has spent each of his 10 seasons at NASCAR’s highest level.

“I’ve tried to not think about it,” Stewart said in reference to his emotions surrounding the race. “We’ll deal with it when we get there and kind of take it as it comes. This is the longest relationship I’ve ever had with any car owner, so that’s why this situation is so different than anything else I’ve ever dealt with.”

Stewart has worked with crew chief Greg Zipadelli at JGR since his rookie season of 1999. Zipadelli will remain with the team next season to oversee the effort of newcomer Joey Logano, who is assuming driving duties of the No. 20 Toyota.
 
Stewart will be paired with a new pit boss, Darian Grubb, at Stewart-Haas.

Zipadelli says he has tried not to think a lot about Sunday’s race being his last with Stewart.

“For me, obviously, it’s going to be disappointing,” he said. “Somebody you spend a lot of time with, somebody you’ve had a lot of success with, somebody you respect – Tony’s been really good to me over the years – and it’s a big change.  Not a lot of people are fired up over change. It’s like it’s been a marriage and now we’re getting a divorce. I spent so much time with him, working with him, working for him over the last 10 years that I don’t know what to expect this weekend. Not to be corny or anything, but it’ll be sad. It’ll be disappointing.”

Zipadelli has been atop Stewart’s pit box through all of the driver’s wins and his championships in 2002 and 2005.

“I still wish that we were staying together and finishing out our time here at Joe Gibbs Racing, but obviously that’s changed,” Zipadelli said. “We’re going in different directions now. 
 
“In the times where I’ve looked at potentially doing something different, I’ve always found that this is where I need to be. I feel like this is the path that God really, truly wanted me to take, so I’m going to continue what I started. I’m content with that. The unknowns are what you worry more about.”

Stewart is also facing some unknowns as he will try to turn the team now known as Haas CNC Racing into a contender after many years of struggles. Stewart and fellow Indiana native Ryan Newman will compete in Stewart-Haas’ two Chevrolets.

“There’s not really going to be an off-season,” Stewart said. “We’re going to work from Monday after Homestead all the way through until we get to Daytona, and then the work’s not going to stop after we get to Daytona either. We’re going to be pretty busy for the next year. We’re going to stay real busy.”

But this weekend, the mood surrounding Stewart’s team will likely be more reflective than forward-looking.

“Our time together really has gone fast,” Team President J.D. Gibbs said. “And what’s amazing is that this team, it’s pretty much the same crew, the same crew chief and the same driver. So to see it come to an end is bittersweet. We’re all looking toward the future now, but we also appreciate what the past has meant to us.”

Mentioned Drivers: Tony Stewart

Comments

23 responses to "Bittersweet weekend on tap for Tony Stewart at Homestead". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    Rex Lee said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 2:25 PM

    I know all of Tony's fans are behind him 100%. We're looking forward to many more wins and championships also! I'll be keeping an eye on Zippy and the boys too though. I still want to see how fast thier stops are and how Zippy is calling the race with another driver. They's still my boys! GO SMOKE GO !!!!!!!! #14!!!!!!!#14!!!!!!!! GO SMOKE GO!!!!!!!!!

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  2. 2
    Ann DeLoach said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 4:06 PM

    I hope the best for Tony with his new team and will win alot of races, along with Ryan.Just GO SMOKE AND GO FAR!!!!!!!!!!!! You're always number one in my book and I'm with you all the way.

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  3. 3
    Robert Airheart said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 4:09 PM

    I am a "Smoke" fan. Followed him since he drove for Steve Lewis in #9 midget. I know Tony is a Chevy guy but I am wondering if Chevy will even be around next year, especially in racing. I am really looking forward to Tony in the #14 Chevy and hope all works out for him. I don't want to watch 43 Toyotas racing next year. Wish Zippy was staying with Tony but all good things change.

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  4. 4
    Pam Wilson said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 4:35 PM

    I am behind you all the way Tony 100%. I will miss Tony and Zippy being together.

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  5. 5
    Jim Anderson said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 4:51 PM

    I've put up all my Tony Stewart / Home Depot stuff. The 20 tag will be coming off my truck on Sunday. The 20 mouse pad is gone after Friday. My 20 coffee cup will be washed for the last time. My '02 championship jacket, various t-shirts, and bedroom slippers will be packed up. The uncountable Tony Stewart diecast I've collected for 10 years will be put back in their original boxes and stored away for a better time. Posters? Put away. Pictures? Packed up. I, like Zippy, was really hoping Tony would be at and retire from JGR. Not to be. VERY disappointing. Like Rex, I'll be watching the 20 team but after 10 years, will NOT be cheering for them. It's going to be weird cheering for the 14 car to pass and beat the 20 car. Good luck Joey and best of luck for you Smoke......

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  6. 6
    Werner Boehmert said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 5:06 PM

    Tony will be glad when this season is over...wasn't it Hamlin who said things were very political at Gibbs Racing...i imagine the focus is on Logano...

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  7. 7
    Paula LaRue said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 5:22 PM

    Smoke you will be missed at JGR's, but I will follow the #14 or what ever number you drive. All the #20 stuff will be put up and no more showing at Home Depot. Tony you are the best and will miss seeing you and Zippy together.

    God's speed

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  8. 8
    scott raymond said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 6:14 PM

    ive been a stewart fan sinse day 1, now ill leave all my stewart homedepot #20 pictures and posters up, ill leave all my diecast win cars out for all to see. its going to be weird having tony in the 14 and joey in the 20. sorry joey i cant be a fan the 20 # holds dear to me as stewarts car. i feel its to soon for joey to be in such a prominate ride. good luck smoke ill be still a fan , only a dissapointed one for a while.

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  9. 9
    robert portano said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 6:15 PM

    MAYBE NEXT YEAR TONY WILL GET GAIN SOME SPOTS IN THE PITS INSTEAD OF LOOSING THEM! THE 20 CREW NEEDS TO WORKOUT OR SOMETHING. EVERY WEEK I DRED CAUTIONS. TONY PITS IN 6th AND COMES OUT 8th. CONSTANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY LOOSING SPOTS...WHATS UP WITH THAT? WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST NEXT YEAR.

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  10. 10
    Jamie Temple said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 7:18 PM

    I totally agree with Zippy. This is a divorce for me. I was sooo sad and praying Tony would not leave Gibbs. But I am a 100% Tony fan. HE is the greatest driver ever. Not to hard to look at either! I won't be pulling for Joey though. He is like the "stepfather" in this case. No he can't help what happened but I don't want to see him in ANYTHING Home Depot. That will always be Tony's in my heart. But now I have to switch to 14! Office Depot and Old Spice Red-here I come! GO TONY. I'll be crying at the checkerd flag in Homestead.

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  11. 11
    James Mogseth said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 8:23 PM

    You all sound sad and hopeless. Wake up people. Smoke can now run the team as he wants it done. That means success, and having Ryan Newman as the other driver for the team means having more test time with a veteran driver and better R&D. So be happy, especially Chevy fans, because here comes more wins for the Bowtie, and, hopefully more titles. Best of luck to your new venture Tony.

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  12. 12
    Gladys Bedwell said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 10:25 PM

    It will be real weird to see the 20 car on the track without Tony in it but hey I am really pumped for next year. Tony and Ryan will be going through a big transition but so will the fans. I have really loved the color orange but now my wardrobe will be changing to red. Thank goodness I look good in red. I need to transform my cubicle at work, pack away all my 20 stuff and go shopping for #14 and Stewart-Haas gear. BRING IT ON - 2009!!!! BTW - it will be sad not to see Tony & Zippy together but I think change is good.

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  13. 13
    Bill Kiely said:
    Nov 12, 2008 at 11:48 PM

    Pack up the #20 and everything worthy of who Tony began with, hardly not. The collection will just improve and move forward. Go Smoke and Rocket Man!! Looking forward to a great season next year. 14 and 39 two new #'s to celebrate!!

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  14. 14
    Kristine Harford said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 12:42 AM

    Oh I certainly won't put my #20 stuff away... I'll add to my #20 orange Home Depot with Tony's new #14 Office Depot/Old Spice merchandise.... Go Tony!!!! You are awesome!!!!! Go SMOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  15. 15
    Kristine Harford said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 12:44 AM

    Wow -- just had to leave another comment... I'm supplying Tony with the mojo!!!! At the Oct. Talladega race I sat in row 20 seat 20 -- and he won... I just noticed that the very first comment I left on here was posted as #14 -- wow -- a winning season next year for the SMOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  16. 16
    Phil Siders said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 3:07 AM

    Finally some respect. Honestly it's really refreshing to see a thread that at least one person isn't bashing another's driver. Tony, I know you'll do well in the #14 car. I know the reason you picked that number is because your racing hero is A.J. Foyt and there's not a better person to respect than him. Another Champion, (as Yourself) and a true racer. Before you came on the NASCAR scene, my boss and I had standing bets every week, I took Ernie Irvan and he had Dale Earnhardt. He called Ernie "Ol' One-Eye. Ernie then retired so I bet with Bobby Labonte. My boss and I loved the rivalrys every week then you came on the scene. That's when I saw something in you, as I saw in Ernie Irvan before his retirement, Drive, determination, and a total devotion to auto racing. My boss and good friend is gone now but those times meant a lot to me and still do. Thanks to Home Depot for standing by Tony in controversies, Zippy for being Tonys' brother, his crew for the splendid job they've always delivered, and Joe Gibbs and his family for giving Tony the equipment, understanding, and loyalty he so needed. Now as Tony goes on in his endeavors I will continue as will his true race fans, to follow him as he proves himself once again to be the total consummate racer. I know you have your reasons for some of your upcoming choices, I remain questionably optimistic, and in your corner still. Good fortune at Homestead and in your future.

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  17. 17
    Trish said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 10:04 AM

    Wow Phil! You said it all...

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  18. 18
    charles avarello said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 10:23 AM

    hey Smoke, you and zippy were a good pair,good luck and win and good luck next year.

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  19. 19
    Pam Smith said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 1:54 PM

    Go, Smoke go! I can't wait for the new season to begin. This current year has been a disaster with all the bad luck, and his pit crew's performance.

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  20. 20
    Louise James said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 2:21 PM

    Hello Tony, I've been a big fan for 5 years and I will realy miss you in that orange car but I've seen the color of your new ride and love it as well. I got to meet you in Atlanta was in line for 2 1/2 hours and it was not a waste of my time. I will always be a fan and the Home Depot stuff will remain where they are now. I will have to make room for all the new stuff but I will make room. I wish you and Ryan all the luck in the world you will be just fine. Sunday will be very hard for me to see you in that orange car on for last time. I know the tears will come and will not be a very good day. But I'm praying you win on Sunday for all your fans that love you and I'm one fan who will always love to see you every day you are on the tracks. God Bless and keep you safe.

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  21. 21
    Bob Atkinson said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 10:36 PM

    Hey Tony,

    Sitting here in my Stewart-Haas shirt and can't wait till next year. Will miss big Orange and Zippy. Best of luck to you and Ryan. Go 14 & 39

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  22. 22
    Jayne Deere said:
    Nov 13, 2008 at 11:57 PM

    I'm leaving all my #20/Tony Stewart stuff up, I don't think of this like a divorce but like a graduation. Home Depot/Zippy/JGR are all components that helped make Stewart the great driver that he is but life is not a vacuum, change is necessary for growth. I received my Stewart/Haas Racing t-shirt in the mail yesterday and I must say that the new logo is awesome. It is retro enough to give that 'established' feel to Stewart-Haas Racing. I never looked that good in Orange so am looking forward to the new stuff I can get. This has also given my daughter new ideas on what to get me for Christmas and birthdays. I rearranged all my #20 stuff to a different wall and opened up lots of room for the new. I welcome the change and will cheer for Tony no matter what. I'll still keep an eye on young Logano, he couldn't have a better start than the one he will get with Zipadelli guiding him. Best to luck to all!

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  23. 23
    Wanda Mitchell said:
    Nov 14, 2008 at 9:30 AM

    Like everyone else I wish Tony 100% success.
    I would like to see Zippy come over to SStewart-Haas, in 2010.

    Wanda Mitchell

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2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings

Driver Standings after the AMP Energy 500

1 Jimmie Johnson 6248
2 Mark Martin -184
3 Jeff Gordon -192
4 Juan Pablo Montoya -239
5 Tony Stewart -279
6 Kurt Busch -312
7 Greg Biffle -340
8 Ryan Newman -402
9 Kasey Kahne -414
10 Carl Edwards -437
11 Denny Hamlin -448
12 Brian Vickers -556

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