As most of NASCAR Nation already knows, Tony Stewart has decided to leave Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of this season to take a 50 percent stake in Haas CNC Racing and drive for the team in 2009. To celebrate his new business venture, Tony Stewart partied with 100 of his closest friends at Captain Sully’s Shrimp Shack in Columbus, Indiana last night.

Midway through the celebration feast, Stewart made his was to the mic that is usually set up for Karoke Wednesday’s and addressed the crowd. Stewart gave the mic a quick “testing, testing” and held up a glass, not filled with champagne, but rather a Captain Sully’s Special shrimp cocktail in hand and proposed a toast.

“If everyone could raise there glasses” Stewart began.

“We’re here at Captain Sully’s Shrimp Shack tonight to celebrate a new begining!” As Stewart began thanking his friends in the crowd he got a little teary eyed when it came to one special person. “I especially want thank Captain Sully for making these delicious shrimp cocktail’s tonight with the “dirt tracks” in them” said Stewart as he dipped a shrimp in the cocktail sauce and slurped it up.

“Every time I come to Sully’s he treats me like a normal person. I think it is somewhat symbolic how Captain Sully prepares his Shrimp Cocktail Special and what he is trying to tell me is that no matter how big I get, no matter how successful I am with this new race team, always remember your racing roots that began here at the dirt tracks and that’s why he put a little strip of “dirt track” in each shrimp. I think it’s great they would take the time to prepare them like that for me. It keeps me humble.”

As tears rolled down Stewart’s cheek he continued. “Every other fancy restaurant I have been to they never have this “dirt track.” This just shows the love they have for me here at home, and that’s why I’m celebrating at Sully’s. This special shrimp cocktail is the epitomy of class and sophistication and that’s what I am going to try to bring to CNC/Haas Racing. I like how the “dirt track” gives the shrimp an ‘exotic’ taste. It has a roughness to it, like me. Sully won’t tell me how he puts it in there so straight or what it is, but I love it. Thank you all for coming tonight.”

Tony’s crew chief Greg Zippadelli said “It’s Tony’s night, I just don’t have the heart to tell him that the “dirt track” is actually poop. Everyone knows that it is the shrimps digestive tract and it is mostly made up of sand and crap. But if he thinks Captain Sully makes it special for him, I’m gonna let him run with it. Plus, it is pretty damn funny he likes to eat poop.”