Stewart-Haas Racing’s most iconic season took the NASCAR world by storm in 2018, a year fans will never forget. That year, SHR was unstoppable, with a dream team of drivers like Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, and Aric Almirola. Together, they dominated the track, creating unforgettable moments that cemented SHR’s legacy. But what made this season truly legendary? From impressive wins to team chemistry, the 2018 season set the bar for what a NASCAR team can achieve. Take a look back at the season that defined SHR’s greatness.
Remembering Stewart-Haas Racing’s Incredible 2018 Season
Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has been one of the top teams in NASCAR for many years. Now, with the news that SHR is closing after the 2024 season, fans are looking back at its best moments. One of the greatest seasons for SHR was 2018, a year that showed just how strong and successful the team could be.
In 2018, SHR was at its best, with an incredible lineup of drivers: Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, and Aric Almirola. Each driver brought skill and determination to the track. Led by co-owner Tony Stewart and racing expert Gene Haas, SHR built a team known for hard work, teamwork, and a desire to win.
But 2018 wasn’t just about winning races. It was about how SHR worked as a team. The drivers supported each other, the pit crews were fast and skilled, and the team leaders made smart decisions. All four drivers made it into the playoffs, which is rare and showed how strong SHR was.
As we say goodbye to SHR, we remember seasons like 2018. That year showed what SHR meant to NASCAR: creativity, teamwork, and a fighting spirit that fans loved. The story of SHR’s 2018 season will always be one of the best in NASCAR history.
Drivers Who Made 2018 Unforgettable for SHR
Kevin Harvick: In 2018, Kevin Harvick had an incredible season. He won eight races, led 1,955 laps, and finished in the top 10 in 29 of 36 races. His average finish was an impressive 8.83, and he secured 23 top-five finishes. Harvick’s four poles and strong performances earned him a final ranking of 3rd place in the championship, proving his dominance that year.
Clint Bowyer: Clint Bowyer brought enthusiasm to SHR with wins at Martinsville and Michigan in 2018. He finished 12th in the standings with 16 top-10 finishes and nine top-five finishes. Bowyer’s average finish was 13.75, and he led 490 laps that season. Despite six DNFs, he displayed resilience and solid performances, contributing to SHR’s team success.
Kurt Busch: Kurt Busch added depth and experience to SHR’s lineup in 2018. With a victory at Bristol and five poles, he showcased his skills throughout the season. Busch finished in 7th place overall, securing 22 top-10 finishes and six top-five results. He completed 100.33% of his laps and led 644 laps, showing consistency and speed.
Aric Almirola: Aric Almirola had a breakout year with SHR in 2018. He won at Talladega and completed 97.6% of laps in the season. Almirola finished in the top 10 in 17 races and in the top five four times. His average finish was 12.8, and he led 181 laps. His strong showing helped secure SHR’s dominance that year.
The Rise and Fall of Stewart-Haas Racing
Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has become one of NASCAR’s most successful teams since its founding in 2008 by Tony Stewart and Gene Haas. The team’s origins trace back to Haas CNC Racing, which was established in 2002. Initially, the team struggled with consistency, but things began to turn around in 2008 when Tony Stewart partnered with Gene Haas to form SHR. This move immediately elevated the team’s competitive standing, with Stewart securing his third NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2011.
In its early years, SHR’s success was bolstered by veteran drivers like Ryan Newman and Kurt Busch, while the addition of Kevin Harvick in 2014 marked a new chapter. Harvick’s first season saw him win the 2014 championship, solidifying SHR’s status among the sport’s elite teams. The arrival of Danica Patrick brought media attention, though her on-track performance didn’t quite mirror the hype.
A major shift came in 2017 when SHR switched from Chevrolet to Ford, and the team continued to thrive. Kevin Harvick, in particular, enjoyed success, winning multiple races, including a career-high in 2018. Alongside Harvick, Aric Almirola and Clint Bowyer added depth to the roster, and SHR’s consistency on the track only increased.
With a focus on development and rising stars like Chase Briscoe and Cole Custer, SHR’s future looked promising. However, as the 2024 season came to a close, SHR announced it would be ending its operations. For many fans, the team’s legacy will be remembered as one of innovation, success, and unforgettable moments. SHR’s impact on NASCAR will be felt long after it departs, leaving a deep sense of nostalgia among fans who followed the team’s rise to prominence and its many milestones.
News in Brief: Stewart-Haas Racing’s Most Iconic Season
Stewart-Haas Racing’s journey through the NASCAR ranks has been nothing short of remarkable, with 2018 standing out as a defining season. Led by a powerhouse lineup of Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Kurt Busch, and Aric Almirola, SHR showcased unparalleled teamwork and success, securing multiple wins and playoff appearances. The team’s shift to Ford and its subsequent growth only strengthened its position as one of NASCAR’s top contenders. As SHR closes its doors after the 2024 season, its legacy of innovation, success, and unforgettable moments will continue to resonate with NASCAR fans for years to come.
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