Tony Stewart loves being his own boss| Everyone's talking about gas in NASCAR

By Ryan McGee From the Chicagoland Speedway media center on July 10, Tony Stewart announced plans to leave Joe Gibbs Racing and become the owner-driver of Stewart- Haas Racing in 2009. A few hundred yards away, Michael Waltrip was beginning his race weekend as he has every week since February 2007—totally stressed out. His initial 18 months as a Cup owner-driver has included missed races, money woes, a major cheating controversy and, now, an impending divorce. "This is a hard road," Waltrip said before his three cars started practice. "It consumes you entirely, from the time you get up to the time you go to bed. Then you lie awake and think about it. I hope Tony is ready for that." Stewart believes he is, thanks to a résumé that includes team ownership in World of Outlaws and USAC as well as a successful short-track business.... [read full story]