Tony Stewart Is Taking The Right Path -- Keeping His Options Open

[DebWilliams-GFN]

By Deb Williams

When it became public knowledge last week that Tony Stewart was considering various options that could result in him leaving Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of the season, many were surprised due to his longevity and success with the organization. But in reality, no one should have been surprised.

Why? Because it was evident when JGR announced it was switching from Chevrolet to Toyota, it wasn't a decision that pleased Stewart. He has a long history with General Motors and I'm sure he would like to return to the fold. Stewart confirmed at Talladega that he had received several different offers to leave JGR. Even though Stewart's contract with JGR extends through 2009, he wouldn't be an astute businessman if he didn't listen to and consider his options. And Stewart is a good businessman.

In addition to competing full time and winning championships in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series, Stewart boasts the same accomplishments as a team owner. Tony Stewart Racing fields two entries in the USAC Midget and Sprint car divisions and two entries in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. Since TSR's formation in November 2000, the organization has earned eight championships – seven in USAC and one in the World of Outlaws.

The Indiana native also is a track owner, possessing Eldora Speedway, a half-mile dirt oval where he frequently raced as a USAC driver, and co-owning Paducah [Ky.] International Raceway and Macon [Ill.] Speedway.

There's also the Tony Stewart Foundation, which has awarded more than $2.1 million to charitable initiatives for more than 80 organizations throughout the United States.

But what does this have to do with Stewart's contract with JGR? Stewart, like all drivers, is an independent contractor. He is also his own business and he must make a decision that benefits his business. This fact has led many drivers to decide they want more control of their future, rather than someone controlling it for them. Jeff Gordon has ownership equity in Hendrick Motorsports; Bobby Labonte started a firm this year that handles the General Mills account and thus his public relations; Kevin and Delana Harvick are building their own racing operation while Kevin drives for Richard Childress, a path followed by the late Dale Earnhardt and his wife; Dale Earnhardt Jr. started his own Nationwide Series team with sister Kelley managing it while he was still driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc.; and Rusty Wallace started his own Nationwide Series operation during the later years of his driving career with Roger Penske.

Stewart has admitted that "a couple offers" included ownership, and that thought excited him. Stewart hasn't discussed owning a portion of JGR, and he's not asked to be released from his contract, but the fact these offers were on the table didn't make their way into the media accidentally.

In racing, everyone has a reason for “leaking” something to the media. It could be for leverage in contract negotiations or it could be to cause turmoil within a team, just to mention a few ulterior motives.

But Stewart isn't the only driver with a contract situation this year. Ryan Newman's contract with Penske Racing expires this year, as does Bobby Labonte's with Petty Enterprises. Greg Biffle has said he would like to remain with Roush Fenway, and on Monday, Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials exercised their option with Martin Truex Jr.

Joe Gibbs has said he would like for Stewart to remain and I'm sure he will work closely with Stewart's organization in an effort to achieve his objective. Still, even though contracts with options and exit clauses now exist, a driver who truly wants to leave a team won't be held to a contract. To do so only results in torn-up equipment and a morale problem within an organization. Of course there would be a buy-out, so the owner doesn't lose financially, but if a driver stays, he's probably achieved a much better financial arrangement than he would have if the media hadn't played a role.

Since first driving a Go-Kart at Westport, Ind., in 1978, Stewart has accumulated 11 championships. He is the only driver to have won titles in stock cars, Indy cars and open-wheel Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown cars, and, like any athlete, he must capitalize on his value when it is at its peak.

Stewart is an extremely talented race car driver and a savvy businessman who is doing exactly what he should be doing, keeping his options open, and planning what is best for him and his future.

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