As the revolving door of NASCAR spins, there is at least one door that is closed in order for a new door to be opened.

Tony Stewart made it official Thursday. He’ll be part owner (50 percent) of HAAS CNC Racing and he’ll drive for his new team, Stewart-HAAS Racing when this season is over. This also meant he’d return to Chevrolet.

The announcement had been inevitable since all the talk was started, but more when Joe Gibbs Racing announced Wednesday that they would let Stewart out of his contract after the current season. Stewart’s contract was signed until the end of 2009.

During Thursday’s press conference, the worried, or rather disgusted look that was apparent on Stewart’s face since the middle of March was gone. He smiled and chuckled as he made the announcement.

He did not announce sponsors, which are likely to be Old Spice, Office Depot and Burger King, among others.

He did not announce car numbers, but did say the numbers now (No. 66 and No. 70) are likely to change.

He did not announce a driver, which is likely to be either Ryan Newman or Martin Truex Jr. He also didn’t rule out the current driver of one of the HAAS cars, Scott Riggs, who drives the No. 66 Chevrolet. He simply stated, it was an offer he “couldn’t refuse” and was ready to continue on the season.

Stewart did announce that the driver(s) and the sponsors would be announced in the coming weeks. The logical choice to make the announcement is Indianapolis — his home state — next weekend.

As for Newman and Truex Jr. there has been no official word, yet. However, both, since Thursday, have been frequent visitors through the revolving door.

Monday Penske Racing announced they would not re-sign Newman after this current year. This breaths more air into the direction that he is, in fact, headed to Stewart-Haas Racing next year. Even when asked throughout the weekend, Newman didn’t deny. He has said that he is looking at four teams, but it looks as if the four has been narrowed down to three, if not one!

Truex Jr., who suffered a horrible blow in the points standings after his penalty was announced last week possibly ending his chances at making the Chase, continues to swing through the door.

He was penalized 150 driver points and fell to 18th in the standings. His owner was penalized 150 owner points and his crew chief and car chief were fined and suspended for some time.

There are reports that although Dale Earnhardt Inc., his current team, has offered him a huge amount of money to stay, he hasn’t crossed the possibility of driving for Stewart’s new team or any other team for that fact.

Another possibility that has been spinning through the door is that Stewart could add another car to his new team. That would make two rides as opposed to one and leave open for both Newman and Truex Jr. to have new rides with Stewart next year. That is more of a rumor as of right now, but it is a rumor that seems like a good possibility if not for next year then the coming years.

At least one door has closed and all the Stewart fans know where their driver will be at next year.

Unfortunately, they’ve got new merchandise to buy, but like myself last year, they don’t see that as a major problem. I am sure they will gladly support him in his new endeavor and buy his new merchandise off the racks regardless of the number, the sponsor or the team.

Oh, and Kyle Busch won, again. Two races in a row and a sweep of Chicago. With seven wins already and sitting comfortably up atop the points standings, he’s well on his way to winning the Championship - or at least it appears that way.

My driver, Kasey Kahne, did alright considering he has a bad record at Chicagoland. Before Saturday’s race, his best finish was 26th. His best finish now is 15th. Unfortunately, he fell to 11th in the points.

But after this much needed (Sprint Cup series) off weekend, I’m sure, he (along with his fellow drivers) is ready to head to Indianapolis for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. It’s a race he’s been very good at in the past. It is also a race where he has a best finish of second. I can only hope and wish he’ll set a new best finish and add another win to his season.

Don’t miss:
From Kentucky and Missouri

• Built Ford Tough 225 (Craftsman’s truck race), Saturday night at 7 on SPEED
• Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 (Nationwide race), Saturday night at 9 on ESPN2