Next on The Sports Chief NASCAR season preview will be Stewart-Haas Racing. Founded in 2002 as Haas CNC Racing by Gene Haas, the team fielded the #0 with Jack Sprague driving for them. Even with the help of Hendrick, the team never quite became a title contender. The team made a massive leap in terms of production once Tony Stewart purchased a 50% stake in the team, and became a driver of the #14 car. 2009 was the first season with Tony Stewart, with him came Ryan Newman, and the team was relatively successful. A couple years later in 2011, Stewart won the Nascar Cup title and in 2014 Kevin Harvick brought home another title for SHR. There is no doubt that Stewart-Haas Racing is one of the top-flight teams in Cup competition. With a team of four drivers, SHR is getting stronger as the years go by. Now driving the Ford Mustang, SHR appears to be poised for another great season.

#4 Kevin Harvick

The 18-year veteran is the leader of Stewart-Haas Racing. The longtime RCR driver, joined SHR in 2014 and started his tenure with a bang, by winning the championship that year. “Happy” Harvick as he is known, has won 22 races with his current team and 45 overall as a Cup driver. Famously known as Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s replacement, Harvick is one of the best drivers in the sport. In 2018, he recorded 8 wins, 23 top-5’s, and 29 top-10’s. Even at 43 years old, Harvick is driving at his peak. With the new aero package, we will see if Harvick can continue his dominance at 1.5 mile tracks like Atlanta and Texas. During his 18-year stint at the Cup level, Harvick has only had 2 seasons without 10 top-10’s. He is the definition of consistency, and that is why I have him getting 3 wins, 15 top-5’s, and 25 top-10’s.

#14 Clint Bowyer

2018 was a career revitalization for Clint Bowyer, as he came away with 2 wins and made the chase for the first time since 2013. In 2012, Clint finished 2ndin the point standings and since then, he has been never close to regaining that status. Known for his down to earth demeanor, Clint is one of the more likeable drivers on the circuit. At the early stages of his career, he was mainly known as a force at short-tracks, but developed an ability to run well at road courses. Clint is a former 2008 Xfinity champion, and also started his career with Richard Childress Racing like his teammate Kevin Harvick. With 13 full-time seasons under his belt, Clint is a seasoned veteran who can pop out a win or two here and there. I do have him regressing in 2019 with one win, 8 top-5’s and 12 top-10’s.

#10 Aric Almirola

The journeyman driver from Tampa, Florida seems to have finally found a home at SHR. With two victories (Daytona and Talladega), Almirola has never been in a top-flight ride, except for last season. Danica Patrick never performed well in the #10 car, so it was interesting to see Almirola get 17 top-10’s and a win in 2018. With stints at DEI, JGR, and RPM…Almirola has never had stable quality equipment or a great chance to perform for that matter. Having Smithfield as his sponsor, he was able to take that with him to SHR. Do not be shocked to see Aric perform better in 2019. Aric is a great restrictor plate racer and is solid at places like Kansas and Michigan. The talent is there and I have him getting 1 win 5 top-5’s and 14 top-10’s in 2019.

#41 Daniel Suarez

There will be a new face at SHR this season, and his name is Daniel Suarez. The 2016 Xfinity champion has only competed in two full-time cup seasons and is relatively new to the sport. He was a force in the NASCAR Peak Mexico series and was brought up through JGR’s driver development program. Backed by Carlos Slim and Arris…Suarez has the financials to be successful. His two years at JGR in the #19 car were mediocre, and it seemed like a change needed to take place. Joey Logano left JGR and became a title contender from the “get-go” at Penske, so the same may happen for Suarez. While it may seem far-fetched to see Suarez contending for titles, I do think this was a good move for him. In 72 Cup races, he has 4 top-5’s and his best finish is 2nd at Pocono in 2018. He seems to do well at Phoenix, Fontana, and Pocono…so look for him to contend at those tracks. Heck…I say he will win Fontana this season. Suarez will get 1 win, 2 top-5’s, and 13 top-10’s in 2019.

AustYn

References: racing reference, wiki, Stewart-Haas racing

2019 NASCAR Preview: Stewart Haas Racing