Stewart-Haas Racing, which has campaigned General Motors vehicles since its inception as a Sprint Cup team more than a decade ago, is switching to Ford next season.
The team, which is fielding Chevrolet this year for Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch and Danica Patrick, will become the second championship-caliber organization to join Ford in the past five seasons. Team Penske left Dodge (which then exited NASCAR) for Ford in 2013.
“I am proud of our association with Chevrolet as they helped build our organization into the team it is today,” SHR co-owner Tony Stewart said in a release. “This new partnership with Ford allows us to strengthen our position in the sport and ensure the long-term stability and success for everyone who is a part of Stewart-Haas Racing.”
SHR will compete with Ford engines supplied by Roush Yates Engines. It previously had been receiving chassis and engines from Hendrick Motorsports.
“Motorsports is an extremely challenging environment where in order to maintain success you have to constantly innovate,” said Gene Haas, SHR’s co-owner. “It’s true in NASCAR, and it’s true in business. We’ve enjoyed great success with Chevrolet, but this opportunity with Ford allows us to evolve while continuing to compete at the highest levels of the sport.”
Haas has been in Europe this week where he is helping launch the debut Formula One season for Haas F1.
“From the very beginning of Stewart-Haas Racing we have fostered an environment of competitiveness, performance, teamwork and family,” SHR president Brett Frood said. “This future partnership enables us to continue delivering across these silos and exceed our commitments to our fans, partners and employees.”
