Tony Stewart Released, CNC-Haas Future is ... ?

Joe Gibbs Racing has beat Tony to the punch in announcements.  by Bruce Simmons

Tony Stewart was scheduled to announce his leaving JGR later today, but JGR released it's own statement sooner, saying that they've released Tony Stewart from his contract effective at the end of the 2008 season.

Wow, the end of one of the top storied legacies in NASCAR:  The No 20 car, Tony Stewart and The Home Depot, 11 years.

On the bright side, they say they are parting under good terms and with Joey Logano lined up in their stable, I think JGR will survive just fine.

Stewart may be announcing in the very near future that he's acquired majority ownership of Haas, which has been run by general manager Joe Custer since owner Gene Haas began serving a two-year prison sentence for tax evasion in January.  dOh!!  And the rumors are that Ryan Newman may be joining him there, though Ryan has been his usual, quiet, stoic self on the matter, so far.  Newman is in his last year of his non-performing Penske contract in the beleaguered No. 12 Dodge.

This also brings to question about Greg Zipadelli.  Will he do a Eury and go with the driver he's worked so well with or stay with the shop that's paid him well?

In Joe Gibbs announcement, it sounded like The Home Depot is staying with Gibbs, but they sure have an interesting decision to make.  Stay with their tried and true driver who's almost become the face of The Home Depot in NASCAR, or ride with the new kid on the block, Joey Logano, who's as hot, or maybe hotter than Tony was when he came on the scene.

Is Home Depot's contract timed with Tony's contract?  Some contracts are like that.

Regardless, Joe Gibbs referenced it by saying that only one piece of the puzzle will be gone and the No. 20 team will remain strong.  Not so fast Joe.  Not until you re-upped The Home Depot and Zipadelli.

Obviously as the year progresses, we'll find out where the other two puzzle pieces are going.

source:  http://www.idahostatesman.com