Stewart: 'My support for Danica is unwavering'

Wednesday, 13 September 2017


By Kelly Crandall / Image by Rusty Jarrett/LAT



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The day after Danica Patrick announced she would not be returning to Stewart-Haas Racing, Tony Stewart voiced his support for her, saying she is "one of the most fearless people I've ever met."
"I've always been a believer in Danica's ability as a racecar driver and that continues to be the case," he said in a statement. "She's one of the most fearless people I've ever met. She has never backed down from a challenge. In fact, she's sought out new challenges throughout her career, and that's what brought her to NASCAR and Stewart-Haas Racing.


"Making the jump from INDYCAR to NASCAR is not easy, yet she had the courage to do so and put up better numbers than a lot of other drivers who have tried to make that same transition. I'm proud of how hard Danica has worked during her time at Stewart-Haas Racing, and she continues to work hard.
"My support for Danica is unwavering. We're going to end this season strong and make the most of these last 10 races."
Patrick announced on social media Tuesday that her time at SHR "has come to an end due to a new sponsorship arrangement in 2018." Earlier Tuesday it was announced that Smithfield Foods was moving its sponsorship to Stewart-Haas from Richard Petty Motorsports. The details of the agreement and a driver "who will be added" to the organization will be announced at a later date.
"It has been my honor to drive for Tony Stewart, Gene Haas and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing for the past six seasons," she wrote. "Together we earned a Daytona 500 pole, seven top-10 finishes and we also had some exciting racing along the way.
"I wish SHR the best of luck with their new sponsorship and driver. Thanks for the memories. Right now, my focus is on the remainder of the 2017 season and finishing the year strong. I have the utmost faith in myself and those around me, and feel confident about my future."