Bass Pro Shops-sponsored NASCAR driver Tony Stewart announced this week plans to retire after the 2016 season.
Stewart, 44, drives the No. 14 Chevrolet, which is branded on the hood by the Springfield-based outdoor retailer. He also co-owns Stewart-Haas Racing, according to a news release.
In 2017, he’ll become a full-time owner of the racing team with Gene Haas.
“This is a moment every driver eventually comes to terms with, and I know this is the right decision for me,” said Stewart, who’s a three-time winner of the Sprint Cup Series, in the release. “2016 will be my last year in a Sprint Cup car, but it’s not my last year in NASCAR. I love this sport and I love being a part of it, and instead of seeing me in a fire suit on Sundays, you’ll see me in a pair of jeans and maybe even a pair of khakis.”
Stewart will be succeeded by Clint Bowyer, who finished second in the 2012 Sprint Cup Series.
The No. 14 car also is sponsored by Mobil 1, Rush Truck Centers, Code 3 Associates, Coca-Cola, Jimmy Johns and Haas Automation, according to the release.
Bass Pro signed a lead sponsorship deal with Stewart in October 2012. The racer has been known to appear at Bass Pro’s store openings and is said to be a close friend of owner Johnny Morris, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.