"Smoke" Runs To HASS

Tony Stewart has been very tight lipped about his future in racing, and the rumors have been soaring. Maybe the question is finally answered.... Sources are saying that Tony Stewart is going to HASS CNC Racing, as a part or full time owner, and is getting a buy-out of the last year of his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing by manufacture Chevy. Stewart has a long relationship with Chevy, as Stewart's racing teams outside of NASCAR all have Chevy chassis's and are sponsored by Chevy.

Another twist to this news is the fact that Ryan Newman, driver of the #12 Penske Dodge, is reportedly going with Stewart to HASS Racing. Newman has made it very clear that in the last few weeks that if improvements were not seen at the #12 team then he would go elsewhere.

Reported sponsors for the drivers are to be Burger King, and Office Depot, which recently announced they would not be with Roush/Fenway Racing after this season.

So who will be in the #20 and the #12? Well it is mostly likely Rookie Joey Lagono will take the place of Stewart in the #20. Lagono has had a great start to his NASCAR career with a win in his 2nd Nationwide race and a couple of front row starts, for JGR.

No driver yet has been named to the #12 if Newman leaves.