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Tony Stewart is putting together a memorable run as a driver-owner. Here’s how some other recent driver-owners have fared in their first year trying to handle both duties:
Michael Waltrip (2007) Few driver-owners have made as big a splash as Waltrip, who began his stint as a driver-owner in 2007 with three cars and backing from Toyota. He was caught up in an engine scandal before the Daytona 500 that year, and his teams struggled. His team won a race this year, when David Reutimann won the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600. Waltrip’s team has yet to have a car make the Chase.Robby Gordon (2005) After driving for Richard Childress, Gordon formed Robby Gordon Motorsports for the 2005 season and finished 37th in points. He had just two top-10 finishes. He’s in his fifth year as a driver-owner but hasn’t finished better than 26th in points and has just two top-five finishes.Ricky Rudd (1994) One of the most successful drivers to try his hand at both tasks, Rudd won six times as the owner of Rudd Performance Motorsports before giving up the job after the 1999 season. His biggest victory came in the Brickyard 400 in 1997. He finished fifth in points in 1994, which ended up being his best showing as a driver-owner.Alan Kulwicki (1986) He was the Rookie of the Year in his first season running his own team, setting the groundwork for an outstanding career. His first career win came two years later, and he won the 1992 title by edging Bill Elliott for the title. It would be his first and only title. He was killed in a plane crash in April 1993. — Anthony Andro
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