As the sport grew, drivers continued to race their own cars; however, drivers began to accept rides with established teams owned by former drivers or businessmen.
Michael Waltrip Racing became one of Toyota’s flagship teams. That is rare in driver/owner situations, but Waltrip’s no ordinary driver. Tony Stewart, the two-time champion, joined the ranks of driver/owners. He acquired fifty percent ownership in what is now Stewart Haas Racing, formerly Haas CNC Racing. Harvick also owns a Camping World Truck Series team.