http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=newton_david&id=3837620
New owner, new energy at Stewart-Haas
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — No trophy cases line the walls. No championship banners hang from the ceiling. There’s not even a full inventory of paraphernalia in the gift shop, although that will change by the time the NASCAR media tour rolls into town next week.
Nothing in the lobby of Stewart-Haas Racing suggests this organization will be any more successful now than it was before two-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart was given co-ownership of the company midway through last season.
But look beyond the front desk of what used to be Haas CNC.
Look inside the walls of this 125,000-square-foot facility at fabricators, engineers and mechanics going about their tasks with a feeling of confidence and a sense of urgency never this high before.
Look at the résumés of the new talent, from competition director Bobby Hutchens (Richard Childress Racing/Dale Earnhardt Inc.) to crew chief Darian Grubb (Hendrick Motorsports) to crew chief Tony Gibson (DEI) to driver Ryan Newman (Penske Racing) to owner/driver Stewart (Joe Gibbs Racing).
Look at the list of new sponsors — U.S. Army, Office Depot and Old Spice — that are more high-profile than any these walls ever contained.
