Tony Stewart returns as Indy 500 broadcaster for FOX Sports’ coverage of the 2025 Indianapolis 500, making headlines as the former champion swaps the race track for the commentary booth. The shift sees Stewart, noted for his five Indy 500 starts and significant legacy in motorsports, adding his insights to the network’s expanded race-day programming.
Stewart Joins the FOX Sports Broadcast Team for the Big Race
FOX Sports will present its debut race-day broadcast of the Indianapolis 500, “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” starting at 10 a.m. on May 25. Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series titleholder and the 1997 IndyCar Series champion, will be a key part of the broadcast lineup. He joins forces with former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and seasoned FOX host Chris Myers. Together, they will contribute to an enhanced pre-race show that, compared to previous NBC broadcasts, features an entire additional hour of coverage.
The FOX Sports commentary booth also includes Will Buxton, James Hinchcliffe, and Townsend Bell, offering a mix of experience from various corners of auto racing. Stewart’s prior experience in television includes broadcasting NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series events, equipping him with the tools to complement FOX’s primary team for this major racing event.
Stewart’s Indianapolis 500 Legacy and Career Highlights
Stewart’s expert commentary carries weight given his own racing history at Indianapolis. He debuted at the Indy 500 in 1996, and his best performance came the following year, finishing fifth after leading the most laps in the race. He last competed in the Indy 500 in 2001, where he started in seventh position and crossed the line in sixth. Noteworthy runs include climbing from 24th to ninth in 1999. However, his record also includes two disappointing DNFs: a crash in 1998 and a mechanical issue in 1996, despite starting second that year.
Speculation about a driving comeback at Indianapolis has picked up due to his current media role and his deep connection to the event. However, Stewart himself tamped down those expectations.
I don’t think I’d be capable because of seat time,” he added. “Just don’t think it’s in my cards.
—Tony Stewart, former NASCAR and IndyCar Series champion
Why Stewart Isn’t Planning a Comeback as a Driver
Stewart recently shared his thoughts on a potential return via video conference, admitting the competitiveness at the top tier of Indy 500 racing sets a high bar.
“The last time I was in an IndyCar was 2001, so 20 plus years now,”
Stewart said, explaining he does not believe being competitive is realistic anymore. While he feels he could complete the race and perhaps have a solid run, he is doubtful about truly contending for victory after such a long time away from the cockpit.
Stewart pointed to the modern drivers’ intimate understanding of the current cars as a decisive gap. Without that input, he feels he could not help a team reach a winning setup. Stewart maintains the only scenario that would tempt him back would be the real potential to win the Indianapolis 500.
Stewart’s Continuing Racing Achievements
Although Stewart retired from full-time NASCAR competition in 2016, he has not left the racing world. This year, Stewart has drawn attention by claiming his first NHRA Top Fuel win at the Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals, and just days ago, he won again at the Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Illinois. Now leading the NHRA Top Fuel standings by three points over Shawn Langdon after six of 20 events, Stewart continues to demonstrate his versatility behind the wheel in different racing disciplines.
Other Personalities Elevate FOX Sports’ Race Day Coverage
In addition to Stewart, FOX Sports has recruited an impressive roster for its expanded coverage. Interviews by Tom Rinaldi and Erin Andrews will provide narratives from the paddock and beyond, while the pit lane reporting will feature Jamie Little, Kevin Lee, and Georgia Henneberry. Sports icons from the NFL are also part of the broadcast spectacle, with Michael Strahan taking on the role of pace car driver, Rob Gronkowski serving as Snake Pit grand marshal, and Tom Brady riding in the event’s “Fastest Seat in Sports.”
What Stewart’s Return as a Broadcaster Means for the Indy 500
With Tony Stewart returns as Indy 500 broadcaster, fans will experience a unique viewpoint from a driver with rich history at Indianapolis and across multiple series. Stewart’s candidness about his limitations for a return as a driver reflects the tough realities of top-level racing, while his ongoing successes demonstrate his continued passion for motorsports. FOX’s expanded coverage, featuring a blend of motorsport experts and crossover sports celebrities, is set to bring new perspectives and heightened interest to the 2025 Indianapolis 500, ensuring “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” remains a focal point for fans old and new.
