NASCAR: Stewart-Haas Racing 2018 outlook

LOUDON, NH - SEPTEMBER 24: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Mobil 1 Ford, leads Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Haas Automation Ford, during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ISM Connect 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 24, 2017 in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

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LOUDON, NH – SEPTEMBER 24: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Mobil 1 Ford, leads Clint Bowyer, driver of the #14 Haas Automation Ford (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

The revamped Stewart-Haas Racing team goes into 2018 with a good chance at the title, but could a surprise driver be leading the way?

Stewart-Haas Racing has been one of the most consistent teams each year since Tony Stewart stepped on board as owner. In 2017, only two of their four teams were able to make the playoffs with Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch.

Harvick led the way as usual with a 3rd place finish in the standings overall.

Major changes came in the offseason with the announcement that the Danica Patrick project was officially coming to a close with the team deciding to replace her with veteran Aric Almirola.

Smithfield Foods was looking to move on from its partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports, pursuing a deal with SHR and bringing their driver Almirola with them in deal that benefits both Smithfield and Almirola as they move on to a superior organization.

More changes came in the form of crew chief changes for the #10 and #41 teams with Billy Scott moving over from the #10 Ford to call for Kurt Busch. John Klausmeier is promoted to crew chief for Aric Almirola.

With a stable full of reliable veterans and plenty of horsepower, SHR remains a likely championship contender in 2018.

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