Stewart-Haas Racing, the renowned NASCAR team co-owned by Gene Haas and three-time Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart, is set to shut its doors permanently. This decision comes as a significant blow to the motorsport community, marked by the impending layoffs of hundreds of employees. The closure, outlined in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice released on Monday, reveals that the team will begin layoffs on November 11, with operations ceasing completely by December 31.
The WARN notice indicates that the closure will lead to the loss of 323 jobs, affecting a substantial portion of the team’s workforce. Affected employees were reportedly informed on May 28, giving them several months to prepare for the transition. The announcement has understandably caused concern and disappointment among the staff, many of whom have been integral to the team’s operations and success.
Following the closure, either Gene Haas or Tony Stewart will acquire the other’s stake in the partnership. The specific details of this transaction remain unclear, including which of the two will take sole ownership. Regardless, the new owner will rebrand the company and significantly scale down its operations, reducing the workforce to approximately 90-100 employees.
The WARN report suggests that some current employees may have the opportunity to stay with the newly named company, though exact terms and conditions of their continued employment remain uncertain. The decision to shut down Stewart-Haas Racing marks the end of an era for a team that has made notable contributions to NASCAR, including several championship wins and a reputation for competitive excellence.
The closure reflects broader challenges within the motorsport industry, as teams and organizations navigate financial pressures and evolving market conditions. Fans and industry insiders will undoubtedly feel the impact of Stewart-Haas Racing’s exit from the scene, as the team has been a prominent fixture in NASCAR’s top tier.
As the motorsport community processes this news, attention will turn to the future of the affected employees and the potential for new ventures under the restructured ownership. The closure of Stewart-Haas Racing not only marks the end of a significant chapter in NASCAR but also raises questions about the future landscape of the sport and the roles that its key figures will play moving forward.
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