Tony Stewart is a legendary driver known for his intensity and success in NASCAR, but many fans wonder about his current role in the sport. Does he still own a NASCAR team, or has he stepped back entirely from team ownership while remaining active as a promoter and personality?
Below is a quick reference that breaks down Tony Stewart’s ownership status, team history, and related business activities in the NASCAR ecosystem.
| Entity | Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stewart-Haas Racing | NASCAR Cup Series Team | No active ownership | Founded by Tony Stewart and Gene Haas; Stewart sold his share after 2016 |
| Stewart Motorsports | Team Ownership | Inactive in top level | Later branding used for Xfinity Series operations, scaled back after 2017 |
| Tony Stewart Racing | Short Track / Developmental | Active in dirt late models | Runs select events, driver development, and promotional activities |
| SMI Holdings | Speedway Management | Active owner of tracks | Owner of Eldora Speedway and other venues, separate from NASCAR race teams |
Tony Stewart Motorsports in NASCAR
Tony Stewart Motorsports was once a prominent name in NASCAR’s lower series, especially in the Xfinity Series. The team was launched to provide a clear pathway for talent and to keep Stewart closely involved in racing operations. Over time, the structure changed as partnerships shifted and the team was rebranded or absorbed into other entities.
Sale of Stewart-Haas Racing Stake
Tony Stewart was a co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing after joining Gene Haas in forming the team in the mid-2010s. That partnership delivered strong on-track results, including championship contenders and race wins. By 2016, Stewart had completed the sale of his ownership stake, transitioning out of direct team ownership while Haas retained full control and the team continued under the SHR banner.
Current Involvement in Short Track and Promotions
Although Tony Stewart no longer owns a NASCAR Cup or Xfinity Series team, he remains active through his dirt track ventures and promotional roles. He frequently appears at short track events, supports driver development, and leverages his fame to boost attendance and media coverage for races he promotes.
Ownership of Speed Team and Track Ventures
Through Speedway Motorsports, Inc. (SMI), Tony Stewart maintains a strong presence in motorsports as a track owner and operator rather than a race team owner. His portfolio includes Eldora Speedway and other venues, underscoring his shift toward facility management and event promotion instead of fielding NASCAR machines.
Key Takeaways on Tony Stewart and Team Ownership
- Tony Stewart co-owned Stewart-Haas Racing, a top-tier NASCAR team, but sold his share in 2016.
- He no longer owns any NASCAR Cup or Xfinity Series team.
- His current motorsports involvement centers on short track racing and venue promotion through SMI.
- He remains visible in the sport through appearances, driver mentoring, and event leadership.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Tony Stewart ever own a NASCAR Cup Series team?
Yes, he co-owned Stewart-Haas Racing, which competed at the highest level, but he sold his stake in 2016 and is no longer a Cup Series team owner.
Is Tony Stewart still involved in owning any NASCAR team today?
No, he does not currently own any NASCAR Cup or Xfinity Series team; his focus has moved to short track racing and track promotion.
What racing activities is Tony Stewart involved in now?
He competes in select short track events, especially dirt late models, and remains active in promotional and developmental roles for smaller racing series. Through Speedway Motorsports, he owns and promotes venues such as Eldora Speedway and other dirt and paved tracks, but these are not NASCAR race teams.