Tony Stewart has officially announced that he will race in the highly anticipated Cleetus McFarland Indy 800, scheduled for Friday, May 2, at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Fresh off an impressive NHRA Top Fuel win in Las Vegas, Stewart shared the news via his Instagram, confirming his next challenge is just around the corner. Motorsports fans are eager to watch Stewart bring his decades of experience back to Indiana for an event organized by YouTuber and motorsports figure Cleetus McFarland.
With a background that spans more than two decades across NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA drag racing, Tony Stewart remains one of motorsport’s most versatile competitors. His participation in the upcoming Indy 800 comes right after he clinched his first NHRA Top Fuel victory at the 25th NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, a significant milestone in only his second season in the series. Stewart has been piloting the Dodge//SRT dragster as a stand-in for his wife, Leah Pruett, who took a break from racing after the birth of their son late last year.
Two weeks prior to the confirmation of his Indy 800 appearance, Tony Stewart reflected on his racing future, including talks with USA Today about a potential return to the Indianapolis 500. Stewart admitted, “I could probably qualify and perform decently, but I don’t think I’d be competitive enough to win.” He last competed in IndyCar back in 2001, acknowledging that the learning curve would be steep, despite being the only driver to claim championships in both NASCAR and IndyCar.
Speaking after his NHRA triumph, Tony Stewart described the emotions that accompanied his first Top Fuel win, especially with added pressure following Leah Pruett’s near-championship finish the previous season. Stewart and Pruett, who married in 2021, have become an influential duo in racing, with Pruett recently stepping away after the birth of their son, Dominic James Stewart.
The announcement of Tony Stewart racing at the Cleetus McFarland Indy 800 is more than just another race—it is a symbol of perseverance, adaptability, and the ever-evolving landscape of motorsport. As fans look forward to seeing Stewart compete, the impact of his participation underscores his lasting appeal and the excitement he brings to the sport, keeping racing enthusiasts captivated as another chapter unfolds.
