More on Stewart Haas Racing

A few more things about Tony Stewart moving to what will be called Stewart Haas Racing in 2009.

Stewart will have 50 percent ownership. He said he was given that as part of the deal. He would not disuss any other details of the deal. No second driver was announced. No sponsors were announced Thursday in Stewart's press conference at Chicagoland Speedway.

The team will remain a two-car team. Joe Custer, GM of the team, talked about making changes, hiring more people, making changes with personnel.

Stewart said he was first approached about this opportunity late last year. The deal worked through the spring. Stewart said he contacted JD and Joe Gibbs about getting a release from his contract (which was to have expired after the 2009 season) about two months ago.

Stewart acknowledged Chevrolet's desire to have him back with them after Gibbs switched to Toyota for this season but says that "GM did not give us any money to do this deal.''

Stewart admits he's concerned about the 66 car since it has fallen outside the top 35 in car owner points but notes the team has 18 races to get back up there before the season ends. Stewart will likely drive the second car _ what is now the No. 70 _ because he can rely on his champion's provisional next year. Stewart did not say what the car numbers will be next year for the team.

The relationship with Hendrick Motorsports continues. Haas gets its chassis, engines and technical support from Hendrick.

Stewart admits there's no guarantee he'll succeed, aware of the struggles of other owner/drivers from Robby Gordon and Kyle Petty to Ricky Rudd and Darrell Waltrip. Both Rudd and Waltrip had to sell their Cup teams after going out of business.

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