Tony Stewart’s journey with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) transformed both his own NASCAR legacy and the reputation of the team, with Stewart’s move from IndyCar to the NASCAR Cup Series in 1999 serving as a crucial turning point. Joe Gibbs relentlessly pursued Stewart, recognizing his potential and ensuring he would become a defining figure for both JGR and the sport—making the story of Tony Stewart Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR central to his career achievements.
The Relentless Pursuit to Sign Tony Stewart
In the late 1990s, Joe Gibbs became determined to bring Tony Stewart, already recognized for his racing abilities in IndyCar, into the NASCAR Cup Series with JGR. The moment that refocused Gibbs’s approach occurred during discussions with sponsors, when Stewart’s name emerged as a prime candidate.
“I think it’s a great story. And because we were sitting down with, at that point, Shell, and we were talking about future drivers and stuff. And so we had kind of all seen Tony and I just said, I had a meeting with him and I said, what do you think if we could get Tony Stewart, they freaked out. Get Tony Stewart. That’s, that’s who we want. Well, he had a contract with Harry Raniere at that point. And so I start trying to chase him down. I can’t find him half the time because he’s all over the place…,” recalled Joe Gibbs.
Despite these logistical barriers and Stewart’s existing contract with Harry Raniere, Gibbs was undeterred. He often found himself playing detective, reaching out to Stewart’s connections in hopes of arranging a meeting to discuss a potential future with JGR.
“And so I finally found, he had a girlfriend at Indy. And so I would call the girlfriend and say, where’s Tony? And she would tip me off and I would find, that’s the third time I call and she goes, that, no. And I went, oh my gosh, that’s over. So I lost that, but I kept after Tony, kept talking to Harry, and I said, Is there, could we work a deal here? And, um, finally talked Tony into it,” he added.
This persistence eventually paid off after ongoing attempts to negotiate with Stewart and his then-connections. Gibbs’s refusal to give up, even after initial setbacks, allowed him to successfully bring Stewart to JGR. The effort marked the beginning of a highly productive era for both Stewart and the organization, laying the groundwork for what would become high-profile wins and championships.
Stewart’s NASCAR Beginnings and Immediate Impact
Tony Stewart switched from IndyCar to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series position with JGR at the beginning of the 1999 season. Stewart’s rookie year was impressive; he scored three victories, clinched the Rookie of the Year title, and secured fourth place in the overall points standings. His early success established him as a versatile driver capable of excelling in different racing disciplines, while his competitive spirit rapidly elevated JGR’s profile within the NASCAR landscape.
Over the span of his time with JGR from 1999 to 2008, Stewart accumulated 33 Cup Series wins, including multiple victories nearly every season. His aptitudes for aggressive driving, quick adaptation to varied tracks, and excelling under pressure highlighted his skillset, cementing JGR’s rise as a top competitor in the sport. Stewart won his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2002 and captured a second title in 2005, further solidifying his impact.
The relationship between Stewart and JGR was also strengthened by a devoted fan base and consistent championship contention, establishing Stewart as one of the premier drivers of his era and JGR as an elite NASCAR team.
Recognizing Stewart’s Readiness Before His Cup Debut
Joe Gibbs reflected on another decisive chapter in Stewart’s career: the realization that Stewart was not immediately ready to leap into the Cup Series, despite initial plans for a 1997 debut with Ranier-Walsh Racing. Stewart, after selective races in the Busch (now Xfinity) Series, acknowledged his need for more experience at the national level before making the dramatic jump.
“Tony really understood himself and he said, ‘Hey Joe, I’m not ready for Cup. … They wanted me to drive Cup and I’m not ready.’ So we put him in Xfinity. I don’t know if you remember that or not, that man wrecked more cars and sometimes he would wreck three times. I would say, ‘Hey, just park it after the first time for crying out loud.’ And didn’t win a race,” Gibbs shared on Harvick’s podcast (18:20 onwards).
Instead of pushing Stewart too soon, Gibbs opted to have him race in the Xfinity Series in 1998, after acquiring Labonte Motorsports. While Stewart encountered several setbacks—including frequent crashes and failing to win a race—he managed to secure five top-five finishes and narrowly missed out on victory at Rockingham. Gibbs’s patience provided the foundation for Stewart’s development, and his decision paid off when Stewart debuted in the Cup Series in 1999, immediately delivering results for JGR.
Long-Term Impact and Legacy at Joe Gibbs Racing
Tony Stewart’s consistent track success, bold racing tactics, and championship results during his tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing significantly altered the NASCAR landscape. Gibbs’s steadfast recognition of Stewart’s potential, coupled with his effort to foster Stewart’s growth at the right pace, produced a partnership distinguished by trust and mutual respect.
The impact of Stewart’s era at JGR extends beyond race victories and titles; it reinforced Joe Gibbs Racing’s status as a powerhouse team, attracted high-profile sponsorships and talented drivers, and contributed to the team’s enduring reputation in the sport. Stewart’s development story also became a model for other drivers and organizations, emphasizing the value of timing, patience, and relentless pursuit in motorsport success.
Today, the recollection of Stewart’s recruitment and rise continues to influence recruitment and team-building approaches across NASCAR, proving that identifying talent—and knowing when to take a chance—remains as vital as ever.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart friends?
A. On June 26, 2016, Jeff Gordon congratulated Tony Stewart in Victory Lane at Sonoma Raceway. This was Stewart’s last NASCAR Cup series win.
Their initial rivalry eventually turned into a respectful and enduring friendship.
Q. Did Tony Stewart drive F1?
A. TAMPA — Tony Stewart has been racing various types of cars for most of his life. He has competed in events like the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. Stewart has also won in go-karts, sprint cars, NASCAR, and IndyCar, and he even had the chance to test a Formula One car. Throughout all these experiences, he never felt scared to drive.
Q. Why did Tony Stewart quit?
A. Stewart-Haas Racing is ending after 16 years mainly due to difficulties in getting sponsors for a four-car team. Stewart’s departure happens as tensions exist between NASCAR and its teams about what’s next for the sport.
