Stewart-Haas Racing has received two NASCAR Cup Sequence titles (2011 and 2014), in addition to 69 races since its inception in 2009.
Nevertheless, the four-car group has been on a downturn since 2021 and issues appeared to worsen with the introduction of the Subsequent Gen automobile. Final season, they did not win a single race for the very first time. Kevin Harvick was the one SHR driver to make the playoffs, however was eradicated within the first spherical. His three teammates all ended the yr exterior the top-20 in factors.
Harvick and fellow veteran Aric Almirola are actually gone, leaving the struggling group with 4 younger drivers. There is only one profession win between all of them, belonging to Chase Briscoe. Josh Berry and Noah Gragson are new to the group for 2024. They’ve additionally misplaced some important sponsors, together with Anheuser-Busch and Smithfield.
Noah Gragson, Stewart Haas Racing, Rush Truck Facilities Ford Mustang
Picture by: Lesley Ann Miller / Motorsport Pictures
Talking on the efficiency points, Stewart advised SiriusXM NASCAR radio: “You gotta sit there and be sensible and analyze what is going on on (and) why it is happening. However it’s our job to verify if issues aren’t going proper, that we’re making the correct changes to make the corrections and get it proper.
“Everybody in that constructing understands that what we did the final two years is not acceptable anymore and that is not the usual this group has been accustomed to. We have a number of banners hanging from the ceiling that present we all know methods to do it proper and we bought two of these banners that present we all know methods to do it proper for a complete season.
“It isn’t that we do not know methods to do it, it is only a matter of placing it collectively.
“This new automobile has actually been a wrestle for our group and it is like I advised these guys … The whole lot is in entrance of us now. There’s nothing behind us. It isn’t such as you’re on the lookout for anyone chasing you down. We’re on the backside of the barrel for my part and our efficiency is already within the tank.
“We’ve nothing however all the things in entrance of us, so do not look behind, do not look over your shoulder, and just remember to perceive that all of those individuals within the room are all working for a similar causes and you bought to have one another’s again. I feel that resonated with our group and so they understand that we gotta get our noses to the bottom.
“Not that they have not been working arduous earlier than, however they will have to search out one thing or discover individuals that may discover it as a result of we will not carry out at this degree. It is simply not acceptable anymore.”
Chase Briscoe, Stewart Haas Racing, Mahindra Tractors Ford Mustang
Picture by: Gavin Baker / NKP / Motorsport Pictures
It actually wasn’t a Ford subject, as RFK Racing received three races and Workforce Penske earned its second consecutive Cup Sequence title. SHR has additionally been hit with a number of important penalties over the previous two years, which have additionally set them again.
Stewart additionally made it clear that if the on-track efficiency doesn’t enhance, adjustments will likely be made.
“If we’re not having the outcomes we’re on the lookout for, we’re gonna begin making some main adjustments,” mentioned Stewart. “All people is aware of that. All people understands that. It doesn’t imply we gotta exit and win eight or ten races this season, however we have to see the needle transfer in the correct course.
“We have to make progress.”
