Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), a dominant force in the NASCAR Cup series since its establishment in 2009, will be closing its doors after the conclusion of the 2024 season. The decision was announced by co-owners Gene Haas and Tony Stewart in a joint statement, citing personal and business commitments as the driving factor behind the closure.

Over the years, SHR has achieved remarkable success, clinching two Cup titles and amassing an impressive 69 wins. However, recent struggles, including the loss of major sponsors such as Smithfield and Anheuser-Busch, combined with the impending end of their hefty support from Ford after this season, have made it challenging to sustain their four-car operation.

"We have made the difficult decision to close Stewart-Haas Racing at the conclusion of the 2024 season," stated Haas and Stewart. "Racing demands unwavering commitment and vast resources, and we have reached a point where it's time to pass the torch."

The closure will leave several drivers in transition, including Cup drivers Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson, Josh Berry, and Ryan Preece, as well as Xfinity Series drivers Cole Custer and Riley Herbst. The fate of these drivers remains uncertain, but possible opportunities with other teams are being explored.

The organization currently holds four charters, which they can sell to other Cup organizations. It has been indicated that at least three charters will be acquired by existing Cup teams, including Front Row Motorsports, 23XI Racing, and Trackhouse Racing. The destination of the fourth charter remains unknown.

The absence of SHR on the Cup grid next season will undoubtedly be notable, considering their significant contributions to the sport. SHR was founded by Haas in 2002 as Haas CNC Racing, later partnering with Stewart in 2009. Together, they secured championships in 2011 with Stewart and 2014 with Kevin Harvick. Their most recent Cup win came in 2022 with Harvick, who retired the following year.

Reflecting on their journey, Haas and Stewart expressed gratitude for the wins, championships, and the culture they built within SHR. They also emphasized their commitment to supporting their personnel during the transition period and helping them find new opportunities beyond the 2024 season.

As the NASCAR community processes the news of SHR's impending closure, all eyes will be on the developments surrounding the drivers affected by this decision. With talks of potential moves to other teams, sponsorships, and series changes, the NASCAR landscape is set for a significant shuffle in the coming months.