Tony Stewart has officially joined the FOX team for the network’s inaugural broadcast of the Indianapolis 500, set for Sunday, May 25. FOX announced that Stewart, a racing legend with deep Indy 500 roots, will appear alongside Danica Patrick on race day, aiming to elevate their coverage of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Stewart’s inclusion brings excitement and authority to FOX’s first-ever Indy 500 broadcast, as the network seeks to capture a wide audience and mark their entry into open-wheel racing’s most famous event.
The decision to bring Tony Stewart into the broadcast was revealed in a press release, following a series of teasers on social media, where Stewart hinted at his involvement, writing, “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Known for his successful racing career and close ties to Indiana, Stewart’s Indy 500 history is significant. He raced the event five times, highlighted by a fifth-place finish during his 1997 IndyCar Series title season and a sixth-place in his 2001 appearance. Beyond IndyCar, Stewart’s accomplishments include induction into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 2018 and, two years later, entry into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, reflecting his versatility and enduring popularity.
Stewart’s return to the Indy 500, even from the broadcast booth, signals an important moment for motorsports fans. While he has stayed busy lately with NHRA Top Fuel drag racing, capturing his first win in Las Vegas last month, Stewart’s reputation in both open-wheel and stock car racing lends significant credibility to the FOX broadcast.
“His experience and deep motorsports knowledge give our coverage a dynamic edge,”
said a FOX Sports representative in their official statement.
The FOX broadcast team will also feature Danica Patrick, another racing superstar, joining Stewart and host Chris Myers on the pre-race show. Race commentary will come from Will Buxton, James Hinchcliffe, and Townsend Bell, with pit reporting by Jamie Little, Kevin Lee, and Georgia Henneberry. The network will leverage popular personalities to broaden the broadcast’s appeal, including Michael Strahan driving the pace car, Tom Brady taking a lap in the “Fastest Seat in Sports,” and Rob Gronkowski serving as Grand Marshal, alongside a pre-race interview with Josef Newgarden by Erin Andrews.
Tony Stewart’s presence not only promises to attract NASCAR fans to the IndyCar spotlight, but it also represents a blending of motorsport cultures at a pivotal broadcast moment. The network’s efforts could set a precedent for future race coverage, shaping how audiences experience high-profile events. As anticipation builds toward race day, the addition of Stewart to the FOX Indy 500 team raises expectations, and fans will be watching closely to see the impact he brings to the broadcast and the event’s unfolding drama.
