[LSC9901]

HUNTERSVLLE, N.C.-- Tony Stewart, who earlier this year was so frustrated that he sarcastically talked about quitting, is anxious to sign an extension with Joe Gibbs Racing that will take him through the remainder of his Nextel Cup career.

"I'm not looking to retire anytime soon," Stewart said during a Wednesday press conference to announce JGR's move from Chevrolet to Toyota. "If I was doing that I wouldn't look at re-signing a new contract."

The two-time Cup champion signed an extension in 2003 that will keep him at JGR through 2009. He is looking at a new extension of at least three years.

"It could be five years it could be 20," team president J.D. Gibbs said. "I told him and [crew chief Greg] Zipadelli it can be for as long as they want. I have a feeling when one is done they're both done."

Stewart, second in Nextel Cup points chase heading into Saturday night's race at Richmond International Raceway, said he'll race until it's not fun anymore.

"It's about wanting to win races," he said. "I've been racing since I was 8 years old. The day it's not fun I'll quit."

Teammate Denny Hamlin interrupted and jokingly asked Stewart if he was having fun when Stewart wrecked the two while they Hamlin was running first and Stewart second at Daytona.

"Yeah!" Stewart said with a smile about the incident, which led to a surprise visit from team owner Joe Gibbs to clear the air between the two drivers.

Stewart, whose USAC and World of Outlaws teams are supported by Chevrolet, isn't concerned that partnering with a foreign manufacturer will cost him fans.

"I've had a great relationship with GM," Stewart said. "From Day One I was with GM. We won a lot of races and a lot of championships. They became a part of my open wheel program and I'm a part of it.

"I joined this team [JGR] because of leadership qualities and the quality of competition that Joe Gibbs and J.D. have had on this sport and are going to continue to have. It's never been a question of where we are going to be and where we are going to finish our career."



David Newton covers Nextel Cup racing for ESPN.com.

[lilsexy08]

My baby stewie! I hope this move works out.

[thunderfoot]

I have always liked Joe Gibbs. The coach did a great job in transitioning from football to racing. He approached it (racing) as he did football. Balls out! I got respect for that. He slipped in the ratings in my book when the team said welcome aboard to the Yota's. I have voiced my opinion on that subject since day one. Real race cars dont have the need for green cards.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by thunderfoot

He slipped in the ratings in my book when the team said welcome aboard to the Yota's. I have voiced my opinion on that subject since day one. Real race cars dont have the need for green cards.

One could make the argument that these cars are not real racecars. They are NASCAR racecars, they say it right on em, so they are clearly not intended to be what we consider real racecars.

I've opposed Toyota in NASCAR too, but the fact is it really doesn't matter if it's a Camry, a Fusion, or a Rumley Steam Engine. none of the defining characteristics of those vehicles make it to the track. So unless Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin leave JGR, it'll be exactly the same as the Chevies they're in now, that's how I try to view it.

[Bob Tanner]

I was laughed at when I predicted last December that Junior would leave DEI this year. Let me try for another outlandish encore:

This arbitration will go on for awhile, then... Tony Stewart will announce that his last full time year in NASCAR will be 2008 or 2009. He will run a part time schedule, similar to the one Mark Martin is doing currently. He will devote his time to running his sprint car and WoO programs and the managing his collection of race tracks. He will also state that he plans to run some IRL races, and enter AND WIN what he considers to be the most important race in the world, the Indianapolis 500.

[thunderfoot]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I was laughed at when I predicted last December that Junior would leave DEI this year. Let me try for another outlandish encore:

This arbitration will go on for awhile, then... Tony Stewart will announce that his last full time year in NASCAR will be 2008 or 2009. He will run a part time schedule, similar to the one Mark Martin is doing currently. He will devote his time to running his sprint car and WoO programs and the managing his collection of race tracks. He will also state that he plans to run some IRL races, and enter AND WIN what he considers to be the most important race in the world, the Indianapolis 500.

You got the winning lottery numbers in that crystal ball there BT?