Tony Stewart mulls future NASCAR options

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., April 25 (UPI) -- Two-time NASCAR points champion Tony Stewart says he has options if he can be released from his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing.

He has said Gibbs Racing's switch to Toyota from General Motors cars this season is a factor.

His contract with JGR runs through the 2009 season but he told The Indianapolis Star on Friday that Haas CNC Racing has offered him an ownership stake.

"There has been much speculation regarding the future of our driver, Tony Stewart," said JGR President J.D. Gibbs in a statement. "Tony is currently here through 2009, and from a Joe Gibbs Racing standpoint, we hope he drives for us longer than that and retires here."

Earlier this week, Stewart expressed a desire to form his own team and is in no hurry to make a decision about his future.

Stewart was the NASCAR rookie of the year in 1999 and won the points championship in 2002 and '05.