Wednesday, February 2nd 'What If' Question

When two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart announced in 2008 that he was going to be leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to start his own team many weren't surprised.

Stewart had accomplished nearly everything a driver can in the 10 years he had been with JGR and branching out on his own was the next step. He certainly wasn't going to pass up the opportunity be his own boss and with a team that was already existing (he wouldn't be starting from the ground up) and be partnered with Hendrick Motorsports.

He hired Ryan Newman away from Penske Racing to drive his No. 39 US Army Chevrolet, as Stewart took the reigns of the No. 14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy. In their first year Stewart led the point standings through the first 26 races and looked to be headed toward his third championship before troubles in the Chase did him in.

At years end he had won four races and both Stewart-Haas cars had made the Chase even with Newman going winless. Last season Newman picked up his first victory since the Daytona 500 in 2008 but it took Stewart until late September to find victory lane at Atlanta. He also won California in the Chase.

Ever since the team formed however, there have been rumors of a third car being added into the group. Stewart had stated in the past that when the time comes he would have no problem expending, but was comfortable with how the team is currently structured. That hasn't stopped the talk though and as a new year looms so does that the speculation.

While the 2011 season is set with driver lineups, heading into the offseason in November will see many big name drivers become free agents. Where will they land? With three years under their belt will Stewart feel more comfortable and ready to add another driver and team into his stable?

So ...

What if Tony Stewart decides to start a third Stewart-Haas Racing team, who would you want as the driver and why? #NASCAR

@kartracer3886: John wes Townley. I like to see yellows sometimes

@smokinace88: I'd want Junior I think those 3 together would do wonders. Also think Tony could tips from Junior in the owner department in ways

@Dizneydreamer: I think SHR should get a young up and comer like @J_Allgaier or even @aric_almirola to drive for them #NASCAR

@Talon64: For 2012 and among free agents, Mark Martin and Justin Allgaier split the season. Allgaier full time in 2013. #NASCAR

@Emily_8388: Kenseth. He needs a change.

@cruetten: i would try and snag one of the RFR drivers whose contracts are coming due because each is a winner and always competitive.

@ChurchGr8Oval: Kevin Harvick. Just because it would be the RIGHT thing to do!

@Nascar47Fan: I would hope that it would be his former teammate @bobby_labonte.

@MisanAkuya: Bobby Labonte he deserves 1 last chance at a 2nd championship

@TJIngerson: Mark Martin next year..enough said

Rich Bohr (via Facebook) I would like to see Tony Stewart get either Scott Riggs or Regan Smith to drive a 3rd car for Stewart-Haas Racing. Both drivers have great talent, but things just haven't went their way the past few years. If I had to pick one of of those two drivers. I would like to see Tony pick Regan Smith just because he is better than Scott Riggs.