Tony Stewart ended all speculation Thursday as he announced, with Joe Custer, the formation of Stewart Haas Racing. Starting in 2009, Stewart will become the series' newest owner/driver as he now owns 50% of the team.

"This is a huge day for me, a huge turning point in my career," Stewart said. "I'm proud to be here to announce myself and Joe Custer and the Hass CNC Racing have merged to form Stewart Haas Racing, where I'll be next year and hopefully for the rest of my life."

Although today's announcements shed no further light on issues such as sponsorship, car numbers, crew chiefs or teammate, it did make clear that Stewart plans on ending his career with the team he now owns.

Stewart now moves into a new role in NASCAR and hopes to put his name along those that paved the trail ahead of him - Richard Petty, Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick. "To have the opportunity to put my name in the record books [as an owner] is exciting now," Stewart added.

Joe Custer, General Manager of Haas CNC Racing described the day as, "A dream come true for the organization, a great day for NASCR, a great day for his fans and our fans."

Stewart pointed out he first got the itch to own his own Cup Series ride in 2001 when he started his first open wheel team. "I've really enjoyed that aspect of my life over the last eight years," Stewart explained. "It's a side of me I really enjoy and having the opportunity to have a new challenge and build a new organization is exciting."

As an incentive of joining the team that currently sits 36th and 44th in owner standings, the 37-year-old driver was offered 50% equity in the organization.

"I was offered half of the team in this deal," Stewart said. "Obviously this doesn't make this a lateral move, having 50% of this race team is a huge move. I'm hoping to come in not only as a driver but an equal partner where I can attract sponsors where Haas CNC has had to pay out of pocket. I don't think any driver has ever been offered half equity."

No details in terms of sponsorships, additional drivers or crew chiefs were made in today's announcement, but Stewart explained the team would remain a two car operation and that they would "like to announce this sooner than later." Many signs point to Ryan Newman as joining the new Stewart Haas Racing team in 2009, but Stewart pointed out the teams current driver, Scott Riggs was still an option. "Scott hasn't been ruled out by any means," Stewart added. "It's a big list of drivers we're working on right now."

With the No. 66 currently outside the top-35, Stewart explained getting the car in the top-35 is a "valid concern," but that after the first five races of 2009 that should not be an issue.

With the move, Stewart will once again be reunited with General Motors, who made a huge push to get the driver back following Joe Gibbs Racing's switch to Toyota after 2007. In addition, Stewart Haas Racing will continue to receive Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) engines, chassis and technical support - a relationship that is sure to grow.

"We have a great relationship with HMS, but there are boundaries," Custer explained. "It has been a frustration that our performance hasn't been at the level of HMS over the last few years. Performance is what really drove this, we want to win."

"I can't guarantee that we're going to [succeed]," Stewart added. "But if we don't, we're going to go down swinging. I wouldn't have made this decision if I didn't think it would be successful"

Custer added the emphasis on winning was the driving force behind this decision, "We're in the sport to win. We came here to win. We came here in the sport to win and get trophies and we think Tony can help us do this."

This is a momentous day for both Tony Stewart and the entire Haas organization. There are sure to be more changes on the way for all parties involved - something both Stewart and Custer understand. Over the next few weeks, more pieces will fall into place in this as contracts are finalized and deals are done.  Look for more news to come out of this organization and expect to hear its name for years to come.