NASCAR – Tony Stewart confirms his departure at the end of 2016

What the American press had been implying for several days was confirmed this Wednesday. During a press conference organized in Kannapolis, North Carolina at the Stewart premises-Haas Racing and in the presence of Gene Haas, Tony Stewart has announced that 2016 will be his final season as a driver in NASCAR.

“Next year will be my last in the Sprint Cup Series, and that decision is 100% mine. explains the triple champion 2002, 2005, 2011. I've thought about it carefully, and you know when it's time to do something different. »

Aged 44, and winner of 48 races in the premier series of NASCAR, Tony Stewart had previously shone in IndyCar, winning the title in 1997, after being named Rookie of the Indianapolis 500 the previous year. Since his last coronation in 2011, “Smoke” has had a complicated period, marked by a broken leg in 2013 and fifteen missed races. Last year, during a sprint car race at Canandaigua Motorsports Park, near Watkins Glen (New York), an accident involving Stewart was also cost the life of Kevin Ward Jr..

Stewart-Haas Racing was quick to formalize the name of its replacement who will be Clint bowyer. Fielded by Michael Waltrip Racing, a team which will no longer enter cars full-time in 2016, Bowyer will take over in 2017.

“Today represents an incredible opportunity and I am proud to be able to drive the No. 14 in 2017. Tony and I share the same passion for racing. It will be a big challenge. » Bowyer's 2016 season plans expected to be announced “later in the week” according to the driver, who could evolve for Hscott Motorsports according to ESPN.