NASCAR Cup Series

MODERATOR: Good morning, everyone, and welcome to today's teleconference. We have been joined by our defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, Kevin Harvick, driver of the No. 4 Budweiser Jimmy Johns Chevrolet for Stewart‑Haas Racing.

Stewart announced his retirement on September 30 from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series following the 2016 season, adding that Clint Bowyer will replace him in the No. 14 Chevrolet.

Time can bring us many wonderful memories, but it comes with change. Most of us are not all that fond of change. Once we watched the likes of Richard Petty, David Pearson, Dale Earnhardt and the Alabama Gang take to the track, to thrill us with their exploits. That was then. Time changed that.

I'm not leaving the sport I love. I'm not walking away from something I'm passionate about, I'm just changing roles, which it's like just moving to a different position in a company. I'm not really retiring, I'm just changing positions.

Statement from Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles on Tony Stewart's retirement from NASCAR Sprint Cup racing following the 2016 season:

“When I think of Tony Stewart, unmatched passion and a pure love of the sport come to mind. He has won championships and millions of fans. But he has given back so much more, and that’s what I admire most. Today’s news was bittersweet for all, but we know Tony will continue to be a big part of our sport in his roles as a team and track owner. "

“As a promoter, fellow Hoosier, and race fan, I love and respect Tony Stewart. He is an elite racer, a feisty, authentic, fun, independent person, and one of the most generous people I've ever known. His NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship run in 2011, and the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway in particular, will forever be one of the most amazing individual drives I have ever seen and a memory I will keep forever. Motorsports will not have one of its greatest drivers ever competing after 2016, but, thankfully, we will still have Tony - his huge personality and his genuine love of racing around.” – Roger Curtis, president, Michigan International Speedway

The following is a statement from Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage regarding Wednesday's announcement by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart that he plans to retire from competition at the conclusion of the 2016 season. Stewart plans to remain active in NASCAR as a co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing.

“Tony Stewart has been a key member of our racing family for nearly 20 years. The majority of his race wins and championships—regardless of series—have been with our brands."

Michael Annett and his No. 46 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet take to the Dover International Speedway for the second time during the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season this Sunday. The high-banked, concrete mile track was a welcome venue for the Des Moines, Iowa driver during his tenure in NASCAR's Xfinity Series.