You Can’t Say Smoke Doesn’t Keep Us On Our Toes
Written by Tiffany Ricardo · June 29, 2008
Just when news breaks that the Tony Stewart/Haas CNC deal is done for 2009, Smoke decides to drop a bomb in an interview session at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Asked if he would be interested in being considered for the 5 car that Casey Mears is vacating, Stewart responded that he would. He said that he doubted any driver in the garage would not seriously consider a ride with Hendrick Motorsports.
Of course, in the same interview, Stewart remarked that there were a few ARCA teams he hadn’t yet spoken with, either. It wouldn’t be a Tony Stewart interview session without a healthy dose of sarcasm.
Unfortunately for Joe Gibbs Racing, news of Tony’s likely defection far overshadowed his Nationwide Series on Saturday. Stewart’s comments about Hendrick Motorsports were likely blown a little out of proportion considering the rumors flying around that Tony has all but signed sponsor Office Depot and possibly driver Ryan Newman for his new team. Perhaps it was the ultimate red herring - Tony’s way of turning the tables on all the hype surrounding him.
However, I challenge any race fan’s imagination not to run wild at the mere suggestion of a Gordon/Johnson/Earnhardt/Stewart roster at Hendrick Motorsports. In such a situation, the question of too much star power would have to arise. Not to mention differences in personalities. The addition of another dominant personality such as Stewart could really throw a wrench into Hendrick Motorsports’ image. Then again, it could be the relationship of the century.
In all likelihood, we’ll never find out. Despite the detours he seems to be trying to throw in our paths, Stewart appears perched on the edge of the team ownership cliff, ready to swoop in and show everyone how it’s supposed to be done. Regardless of what happens, he is the domino everyone is waiting on to finally fall and set the rest of silly season in motion. Because of Stewart, this silly season may turn out to top last year’s, especially since Dale Jr.’s move is still bordering on the anticlimactic.
There’s one thing for certain - whether Stewart is a driver, team owner, both, or neither, we would all do well to remember his mischievous sense of humor. Especially when dealing with the media.
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Whatever!!!!!!!!!