Danica Patrick will join the FOX Sports broadcast team for the 109th running of the Indy 500 on May 25, creating an anticipated partnership with fellow racing legend Tony Stewart. The announcement became official on Thursday morning, just ten days before the historic event, confirming earlier reports that Danica Patrick would be involved in comprehensive coverage across both qualifying and race weekends. Together with veteran broadcaster Chris Myers, the trio is set to provide fans with in-depth analysis and dynamic commentary as the sporting world turns its attention to Indianapolis.
Danica Patrick’s arrival at FOX Sports follows several years of covering the Indy 500 for rival network NBC. According to FOX’s statement, Tony Stewart will serve as Danica Patrick’s co-presenter for the highly watched pre-race show. Their joining represents a reunion, as Patrick first entered NASCAR’s Cup Series in 2012, racing for Stewart-Haas Racing—owned in part by Stewart. Their working relationship yielded historic moments, including Patrick’s pole position at the 2013 Daytona 500, the first-ever by a woman in the prestigious event.
Throughout her career, Danica Patrick has broken new ground at the Indy 500. In her 2005 debut at the event, she qualified in fourth position, the best performance by a woman to date, and led an impressive 19 laps during the race. Though she ultimately finished fourth, she remained a formidable contender, and in 2009 she beat her own milestone by capturing third place on the podium with Andretti Autosport.
remarked an IndyCar spokesperson. Patrick also overtook Janet Guthrie’s record for the most Top 10 finishes by a woman in the NASCAR Cup Series during her time with Stewart’s team.
After stepping away from the driver’s seat in 2018, Danica Patrick transitioned to a career in broadcasting, starting with F1’s 2021 US Grand Prix. While her outspoken opinions sometimes sparked controversy, her expertise and presence became a staple for racing fans tuning in each May. Her switch to FOX comes after five years of covering the Indy 500 for NBC, and expectations are high for her insight and candor on race day.
With Tony Stewart also bringing his experience as 1997 IndyCar champion and the only driver to complete the daunting Memorial Day double—racing the full lengths of both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 the same day—the FOX booth is poised for a truly all-star broadcast. Stewart’s own best finish at the Indy 500 was fifth, but his legend is cemented by his pole-winning debut and his record-breaking endurance achievement.
Enthusiasm is building as defending champion Josef Newgarden aims for an unprecedented third consecutive Indy 500 victory. Interest will be further heightened with appearances by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and NFL icon Tom Brady, who will join the event’s opening ceremonies.
This new FOX Sports lineup, featuring Danica Patrick, is expected to draw both diehard fans and newcomers, offering a fresh and authoritative perspective on the famed Indianapolis race. Their combined expertise and personal racing histories promise engaging and insightful coverage, setting the stage for a memorable broadcast of one of motorsport’s grandest events.
