Tony Gibson has signed a new deal with Stewart-Haas Racing but there is no guarantee that he will remain the crew chief of the No. 10 car driven by Danica Patrick.
“It was a big deal trying to figure out a long-term plan. I was happy they came up with a plan and that they want me there long-term. I was really pleased.” said Gibson of his new deal, via Motorsport. “We sat down multiple times and everything was really positive. So they put together a plan for three years with an option for ’18. I just couldn’t be happier. I have six years invested there. I didn’t want to have to go somewhere else – and I didn’t want to go anywhere else. So I’ll be there through 2017.”
Patrick and company have gotten better as the season has gone on but that hardly means that Gibson will stay on the top of the pit box for the team.
“That’s for Stewart-Haas and them to figure out,” Gibson said. “I told them when I signed up, I’ll do whatever they need me to do – wherever I need to be placed that they think I can do the best job, that’s what I’ll do. I don’t think any of that has been decided as far as I know. I know they’ll work on all that stuff and decide who needs to be placed where, for the best, and what makes the most sense for our company.
“My deal isn’t for one particular driver. It’s where I can be the most beneficial for the company and that’s kind of where we left it.”
Team owner Gene Haas is said to be unsatisfied with all of SHR. Despite Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick both qualifying for the chase he believes the team should have won more races this year and posted better finishes.
Haas believes there should be some restricting for Busch’s team but did not rule out changing members of Harvick’s either.
“Kevin Harvick’s team should have done better, too. He’s been fast all year long, seven or eight poles, leading a huge amount of laps, but we haven’t won as many races as we should. So, I think there’s a little bit of evaluation with all the teams, but that’s pretty common.”
Harvick is one of eight drivers who have moved onto the third round of the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
