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Tony Stewart
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SONOMA, Calif. – Tony Stewart's contract situation is "a nuisance" for both the driver and his Joe Gibbs Racing team, JGR President J.D. Gibbs said Friday.
"It is hard," Gibbs said. "If you look back, each team goes through this every other year, it seems like. Until you get it put to bed, it is kind of a nuisance – to Tony, to our guys.
"That doesn’t mean you make your decision quick just to be done with it. You’ve got to take your time and our hope is we can work something out and go into the future."
Gibbs' comments came in response to crew chief Greg Zipadelli, who told ESPN.com that Stewart's contract situation was hanging over the team.
For his part, Stewart blamed it on the media.
"The wear comes from you guys," Stewart said. "That’s the moral to the story. We’re all doing fine, we’ve all been doing fine.
"It’s having to answer the same questions week-in and week-out when we’ve told you all along that if there’s something new to tell you, we’ll tell you."
Stewart is signed through next year, but is said to be exploring his options to drive somewhere else – including owning his own team – next year.
"People are always wanting to know, what’s going on, what’s going on," Gibbs said. "For guys that come to the track just to really race, all that stuff after a while wears on you. It’s not like you have something to really announce."
Gibbs said he was unable to predict when Stewart's situation would be resolved, but that JGR still hopes to extend the two-time Cup champion to a longer deal.
"We're still hoping something works out," he said.
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Comments
10 responses to "J.D. Gibbs calls Stewart contract situation 'a nuisance' to driver, team". Post a Comment.
Ann DeLoach said:
Jun 20, 2008 at 8:20 PMThe media should stay out. It's between Stewart and Gibbs. Look what Dale Jr went through. I think the media starts alot of problems for drivers. They need to back off.
Adrion Coleman said:
Jun 21, 2008 at 6:43 AMThe media will never stay out of it as long as there is the slightest chance they may be first with some new information.
Robert Wingert said:
Jun 21, 2008 at 7:14 AMJGR should move on and let Tony out of his contract now. He wants to bring Logano up for cup racing.
clem zahrobsky said:
Jun 21, 2008 at 7:28 AMGM wants tony back in a chevy as they sponsor his dirt track racing even to the point of developing engines for the team
Ricky Kyles said:
Jun 21, 2008 at 10:41 AMRobert - you are right. Tony is gonna leave anyway and Logano can drive so JGR wont be backing up any. Proud Mazak Owners R&S Machining in Texas
mike simpson said:
Jun 21, 2008 at 10:45 AMIt would be good for JGR and Tony if everybody would stay out of it, Iam sure if something happens you will know and til then stay out.
Tom Faggart said:
Jun 21, 2008 at 7:31 PMPlease listen to Tony and leave it alone. Why does the media have to push and push and lie and lie. If you would report the news instead of trying to make the news the world would be much better. Go Tony! You have every right to work out your own business in private.
carol martin said:
Jun 22, 2008 at 12:17 PMI love our country and I am greatful for the rights we have but the press has taken "freedom of speech to far." I for one do not need every detail of every persons life. HEY PRESS - MIND YOUR BUSINESS. PS: Tony go back to Chevy I want to cheer for you again.
Danny Seibert said:
Jun 23, 2008 at 9:32 AMTONY TILL THE PRESS, NASCAR, AND ALL OTHERS THAT BAD MOUTH YOU TO KISS YOUR A--!!!
Jean Toothman said:
Jun 23, 2008 at 2:13 PMTony is exercising his right to freedom of speech and I absolutely love how he talked to Marty after Sunday's race. Many of the reporters try to get under the skin of these drivers. The media needs to stop trying to cause problems. Let the drivers race. No wonder they don't want to deal with the media. Mike Helton and other bigwigs need to have a meeting with the media and tell them to knock it off.