Tony Stewart May Leave Gibbs Race Team

 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Tony Stewart has several different offers
to leave Joe Gibbs Racing, and the two-time champion is considering
every option. That includes some that could make him the owner of
his own NASCAR team.
      Stewart told reporters today after Nationwide Series practice at
Talladega Superspeedway that he is considering multiple offers.
      Stewart's deal with JGR runs through 2009. He said last summer
he was interested in signing an extension with the team he's driven
for since 1998. But contract talks moved slowly, with Stewart
saying in January he was in no rush to get a deal done.
      A pair of internet reports yesterday said Stewart was in
negotiations to purchase at least a portion of Haas CNC Racing in a
deal that would require him to leave JGR.
      Stewart said today he has not ruled out staying with JGR. But
when he began negotiating a new contract, other teams approached
him with new opportunities. The same thing happened back in 2003.
Then, Stewart was able to leverage several deals to secure a more
lucrative contract with Gibbs.
      JGR president J.D. Gibbs indicated Thursday the team intends to
hold Stewart to his contract. Stewart said he's not asked to be
released from it early.
     
      (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)