As Tony Stewart joins Fox Sports for Indy 500 coverage, excitement mounts just days before the Indianapolis 500 at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With Fox Sports making its race-day broadcast debut and Stewart’s return to IndyCar’s grandest stage, this year’s event brings legendary drivers, dramatic storylines, and renewed questions about the unbreakable records of motorsports.
Fox Sports, steered by CEO Eric Shanks—a lifelong IndyCar enthusiast—is preparing for a weekend filled with high drama and standout personalities. With Team Penske shaken by recent technical penalties, the motorsports world’s attention is split between off-track shakeups and on-track anticipation. Yet, the arrival of Tony Stewart as a special guest commentator has stolen headlines, not only because of his storied history at Indianapolis but also because of the dramatic narratives converging on race day.
Stewart’s Deep Roots in the Indy 500
Few have left a mark on Indianapolis quite like Tony Stewart. Between 1996 and 2001, Stewart made five starts at the Indy 500, constantly building his reputation as a versatile and daring competitor. Since then, his journey has encompassed championship victories and unique achievements, including his unforgettable 2001 ‘Double’—completing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, totaling a grueling 1100 miles.
These exploits have made Stewart a motorsports legend, with his 1997 IndyCar Series championship shining among many accomplishments. Only recently, he clinched another victory at the NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Top Fuel Dragster in Las Vegas, demonstrating that his competitive drive is as fierce as ever. Now, for the 109th running of the race, Stewart returns to Indianapolis in a new role, bringing insight and experience to Fox Sports’ broadcast booth.
Reflecting on his legacy and the challenge faced by this year’s grid, Stewart remarked,
“In my career and my legacy in motorsports is that I’ve had my feet in every pool, it seems like, in every capacity. But it’s not about what we’re doing this weekend…Next weekend’s about the Indianapolis 500, it’s about the people. This year, all of us sat and watched the last couple of days of what these drivers went through and are going through. It is probably one of the toughest years I’ve seen in Indy for drivers driving these race cars.”
— Tony Stewart, Motorsports Legend
A New Partnership and Acknowledgment of Penske’s Influence
As Fox Sports debuts its Indy 500 coverage, Stewart’s new assignment comes at a turbulent moment for the sport. Roger Penske, the owner of both the IndyCar Series and the famous track, recently faced scrutiny when two of his cars failed inspections, prompting him to dismiss three key executives. Despite these off-track distractions, Stewart expresses gratitude and pride in being part of this chapter for both Fox and Penske’s organizations.
“It’s going to be a blast to work with Fox again. I’ve had such a great relationship with them, have done NASCAR events with them…Contrary to everybody’s opinion, I am still a NASCAR fan. But it’s going to be an honor to be there and support the Indy 500, Roger Penske, and what he’s done to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and what IndyCar is doing. I’ve got friends over there – Marco Andretti, Conor Daly, James Hinchcliffe.”
— Tony Stewart, Motorsports Legend
Stewart’s ties with notable drivers like Marco Andretti, Conor Daly, and James Hinchcliffe underscore his lasting imprint on the racing community. His familiarity and bond with Fox Sports offer audiences an insider’s view during a pivotal time for the series and the spectacle itself.
Spotlight on Larson’s ‘Double’ Challenge
Among the biggest stories of this year’s Indianapolis 500 is NASCAR star Kyle Larson’s attempt at the famous ‘Double’—racing both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Stewart is not only the last driver to complete this brutal feat but remains the standard against which new challengers are measured. Last year, Larson was hindered by a significant rain delay and a late speeding penalty, leading to an 18th-place finish at Indianapolis. Storms in Charlotte further thwarted his full attempt as the second race never began for him.
For Stewart, Larson is the ideal candidate to attempt this rare double. He is seen by many, including Stewart, as potentially capable of not just matching, but possibly eclipsing, Stewart’s legendary achievement. Stewart addressed the difficulty and promise of Larson’s mission:
“I think it’d be easy for Kyle to do that—matching the mileage, being on the lead lap both of those races. I feel like for Kyle, that’s very easy for him to accomplish. And I don’t think it’s out of the realm for him to beat what we did as far as performance…I think anybody that has a record, in the back of their mind doesn’t want it to be broken,”
Stewart said.
“But if it’s going to be broken, Kyle’s the guy I want to do it.”
— Tony Stewart, Motorsports Legend
Larson’s rising star in the NASCAR Cup Series, with 32 top-level wins, has made him the center of fan and media attention. Many now wonder if he can not only match but perhaps exceed Stewart’s historic run, setting new standards for endurance and performance across the two iconic races.
Resilience After Stewart-Haas Racing Chapter Ends
This year also marks a transition for Stewart, following the closure of his 16-year-old Stewart-Haas Racing team, a squad that delivered two championships and 70 Cup Series victories. The news, announced in 2024, cast uncertainty over Stewart’s next steps in motorsports. Despite the outcry and debate about Stewart’s responsibilities in the team’s closure, he remains committed to the community and eager to play a role in the sport’s ongoing evolution.
It is against this backdrop that Stewart’s engagement with Fox Sports and his public support for drivers like Larson resonate so strongly. The Columbus native, known for his adaptability and drive, sets his sights on making the 2025 Indy 500 broadcast both entertaining and insightful for fans old and new.
Looking Ahead to a Monumental Race Day
As the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 approaches, expectations run high not just for the race’s competitive field but also for the stories that will unfold both on the track and in the broadcast booth. Stewart brings a storied past, a passionate viewpoint, and a clear enthusiasm for helping fans appreciate the intensity of the moment.
With Fox Sports looking to establish itself as a new voice in IndyCar coverage, sharing the stage with icons like Stewart and spotlighting exceptional competitors such as Kyle Larson, Roger Penske, and others, this year’s Indy 500 promises to be remembered for its emotion and historic significance. Whether or not Larson will topple Stewart’s ‘Double’ record remains to be seen, but for drivers, fans, and all involved, this race weekend stands as a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
