Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart will hold a press conference on Wednesday to announce that he will retire after the 2016 season.
During his career, which began in 1999, Stewart collected 48 wins in 582 starts. Additionally, he didn't just race in NASCAR; he loved racing small track sprint cars during his free time and also did some Indy car racing early in his career, winning the Indianapolis 500 in in 1996 and winning Rookie of the Year that same season.
When he retires after next season, he will not be gone from the sport as he will remain part-owner of the Stewart-Haas team. He also owns Eldora Speedway, a dirt track in Ohio where the Camping World Truck Series runs a race each July.
Stewart will be known for his temper that always seemed to be ready to explode. He was never afraid to confront anybody, and always spoke his mind.
Stewart did not make the Chase for the Sprint Cup this season, although two of the drivers Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch of his team did.
End of an era?
With the sport losing Gordon and Stewart now within the next two years, it begs the question: is the end of the current era of racing drawing near?
The current era can be stretched back to the early 2000s when many of the current drivers were in their debut seasons. Now, with two retiring, when will the others, like Jimmie Johnson or Dale Earnhardt Jr., follow?
Also expected to be announced at Wednesday's press conference is Stewart signing Clint Bowyer to race for Stewart-Haas Racing.
Stevie Larson is a writer for VAVEL USA NASCAR section. You can follow him on Twitter @littletwinsfan.