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Tony Stewart Sponsorship Crisis Nears Resolution as Josh Berry’s Trusted Ally Rumored to Join SHR

Tony Stewart’s announcement that he will replace his wife, Leah Pruett, in the NHRA Drag Racing Series next season came as a pleasant surprise for SHR fans. But when we talk about Stewart Haas Racing’s performance this season, it failed to hit every marker as far as the community’s expectations were concerned.

Adding to their on-track misery, Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola’s departure from the sport created a domino effect, which means Stewart-Haas Racing is still on the hunt for sponsorship replacements. Fortunately for Josh Berry and Co., an executive insider from one of Josh Berry’s close affiliates, Harrisons USA, teased a big announcement that might be Tony Stewart’s saving grace!

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Old Josh Berry’s sponsor comes to Stewart-Haas Racing’s rescue!

Stewart-Haas Racing had an awful 2023 Cup Series campaign right from the get-go. They went the whole season without visiting victory lane, and only one SHR man made it to the playoffs. That man, Kevin Harvick, was unfortunately set to retire soon. The reason behind Stewart Haas Racing’s woeful sponsorship situation has largely been the companies that pulled the plug once Kevin Harvick announced his retirement.

In search of better prospects, long-time Harvick sponsor Anheuser-Busch will switch their allegiance to Ross Chastain and Trackhouse Racing in 2024. While RCR may have found a new driver for the #4 in Josh Berry, they are yet to see any major sponsorships make their way to support the budding racer in his Cup Series charge.

However, the wait may not be for much longer after fans from the Reddit community were delighted to spot a Facebook post hinting at a bright future. Kevin Harrison, the vice president of the family-owned business Harrisons USA, shared a cryptic message with the Josh Berry fan page. He added, “Some big news may be right around the corner from your good friends at HarrisonsUSA.com and our good bud Josh Berry. Stay tuned…”

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

The “Josh berry fans” Facebook group has some interesting sponsor hints…👀byu/PsweetJ01 inNASCAR

Harrison’s and Josh Berry’s relationship dates back to 2021 when the retail-store chain joined JR Motorsports as Berry and the #8 team’s primary sponsor. Back then, Kevin Harrison was quoted in a JRM press release as saying, “This isn’t just sponsorship; we see this as the beginning of a long relationship with Josh, the Earnhardt family, and all of JR Motorsports.” It’s safe to say Harrison aims to make good on his words just two years later.

It remains to be seen when the announcement will reach social media. But did you know just how impactful Kevin Harvick’s departure was for the sponsorship dilemma at Stewart-Haas Racing?

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

How Kevin Harvick and Aric Almirola’s departures affected SHR’s sponsorship woes

First, it was Anheuser Busch that called it quits on Stewart-Haas Racing. After almost a decade of supporting Kevin Harvick and the #4 team, Anheuser Busch switched sides to Trackhouse Racing and The Melon Man, aka Ross Chastain, for 2024 and beyond. And they weren’t the only big names who were influenced by Harvick’s decision.

Next, the Hunt Brothers Pizza, who have sponsored Stewart-Haas racing for almost twice as long as Anheuser Busch, decided to leave Josh Beery behind. The reason? Their time with SHR was over shortly after Harvick decided his time was as well. The brand that was by Stewart and Harvick’s side since 2008 has now moved on to Penske Racing.

Adding to Stewart-Haas Racing’s misery was Aric Almirola’s long-time sponsor, Smithfield Foods. When Almirola made his debut in 2012, Smithfield Foods joined his side in what is now an iconic pairing. However, when Almirola finally made up his mind to hang up the gloves and suit, Smithfield decided it was time for them too. It was the whole food company that had persuaded Almirola to race for an additional year in the first place, so it was only fair for them to call it quits on NASVAR completely after Almirola’s departure.

With Stewart-Haas Racing’s sponsorship future still hanging in the balance and an eager Josh Berry waiting to pounce, Harrison’s announcement could come as the perfect Christmas present to Tony Stewart!