After 15 years of thrilling highs, heartbreaking lows, and unforgettable moments, Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has officially closed its doors. A staple of NASCAR since its inception in 2009, SHR’s legacy is one of innovation, dominance, and unwavering dedication to the sport. And as the curtains came down in 2024, Chase Briscoe ensured the team went out with a bang, delivering one final victory at the iconic Southern 500.
SHR’s Legacy: From Bold Beginnings to Championships
Co-founded by NASCAR legend Tony Stewart and businessman Gene Haas, SHR quickly established itself as a powerhouse in NASCAR. Stewart himself led the team to victory in its debut season, including a memorable All-Star Race win. But it was 2011 that cemented SHR’s place in history, with Stewart breaking Jimmie Johnson’s five-year championship streak and claiming his third Cup Series title. Kevin Harvick followed up with another championship in 2014, bringing SHR’s title tally to two in just five years.
With 70 Cup Series wins and numerous Xfinity Series triumphs, SHR became a fan favorite, blending legendary drivers, iconic cars, and a relentless drive to win. However, post-2021, the team struggled to maintain its dominance. A mix of financial difficulties and on-track performance woes ultimately led to its decision to disband after the 2024 season.
Chase Briscoe: The Last Hero of SHR
Chase Briscoe, a lifelong Tony Stewart fan, emerged as the perfect driver to give SHR a fitting send-off. Born and raised in Indiana, Briscoe idolized Stewart and started his career on dirt tracks, much like his hero. His journey came full circle when Stewart noticed his potential and brought him into SHR’s Xfinity program, where Briscoe thrived with 11 wins in 86 starts.
Promoted to the No. 14 car in 2021, Briscoe carried the weight of SHR’s storied history. Despite a rocky start to his Cup career, Briscoe improved steadily, earning his first playoff berth in 2022. But it was in 2024 that he etched his name into SHR’s history books with a victory at the Southern 500—SHR’s final win before its closure.
The Southern 500: A Race for the Ages
Briscoe’s victory at Darlington was a rollercoaster of emotions. In a race dominated by Kyle Larson, who led 263 of 367 laps, Briscoe capitalized on late-race strategy and determination. Kyle Busch, armed with fresh tires, made a ferocious charge in the final laps but couldn’t catch Briscoe. Crossing the finish line first, Briscoe secured not only his first Southern 500 victory but also SHR’s final triumph in NASCAR.
Fans were quick to celebrate the moment. One commented, “I’m forever grateful Briscoe pulled one more out for SHR and the freakin’ Southern 500 at that!” Another added, “Rewatched the final laps of the Southern 500, and while it hurts to see Kyle Busch come so close, Chase Briscoe’s win will forever give me chills.”
A New Chapter: Briscoe Joins Joe Gibbs Racing
With SHR’s closure, Briscoe transitions to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) for the 2025 season, taking over the No. 19 car vacated by Martin Truex Jr. While the move marks a new beginning, it also brings immense pressure. Reflecting on his new role, Briscoe acknowledged the stakes: “At JGR, there are no excuses. You have to perform.”
Tony Stewart’s Reflection and Fans’ Farewell
For Tony Stewart, the end of SHR is bittersweet. The team he built from the ground up leaves behind an indelible legacy, and Briscoe’s win at Darlington serves as the perfect farewell. Fans also paid tribute, with one saying, “I was so pumped when they got their last win at Darlington. I thought their last chance had passed when Harvick retired.”
Kevin Harvick, SHR’s most successful driver with 37 wins and the 2014 championship, retired in 2023, marking the beginning of the end for the team. But thanks to Briscoe, SHR leaves NASCAR not with a whimper but with a roar.
The Legacy Lives On
While Stewart-Haas Racing’s chapter in NASCAR has closed, its legacy will endure. From its early dominance to its final triumph at Darlington, SHR represents the best of what NASCAR stands for: passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As Chase Briscoe embarks on a new journey with JGR, fans can take solace in knowing that the spirit of SHR lives on through the drivers it nurtured and the memories it created.
