Tony Stewart honored Marco Andretti with an emotional message after Andretti announced his retirement as a racecar driver on October 29, 2025. The Tony Stewart heartfelt tribute reflects the deep admiration and history the two drivers share, as Stewart recognized Andretti’s accomplishments and their personal bond, with the racing world reflecting on the end of an era.
Over three years ago, Tony Stewart’s racing venture witnessed a significant event as the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), known for uniting legends from various series, reached a memorable high point during the Sharon Speedway event in July 2022. Marco Andretti secured the SRX championship there, triumphing even after suffering a mid-race wrist injury. This incident not only highlighted Andretti’s tenacity but also further cemented the connection between Stewart and Andretti.
Although the SRX series ended operations at the start of 2024 due to market circumstances, memories from that period, especially those involving Marco Andretti, have remained vivid for Stewart. As Andretti embarks on the next phase of his life, Stewart found reason to reflect on their shared journey.
Andretti’s Remarkable IndyCar Journey and Stewart’s Admiration
Marco Andretti’s career spanned three decades, predominantly in IndyCar, where he began making headlines by winning the Skip Barber National title in 2004. He advanced through developmental series like Star Mazda and Indy Lights before debuting in IndyCar in 2006. Andretti’s resume boasts wins at Sonoma in 2006 and Iowa in 2011, and he made 253 starts with 20 podium finishes. Even after stepping away from full-time competition in 2020, Andretti maintained a strong presence by participating in the Indianapolis 500 through 2025.
Tony Stewart commended Andretti’s enduring commitment, stating,
Congratulations on three decades of motorsports…It takes a lot of dedication, commitment.
– Tony Stewart, Three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
Announcing his retirement via a public statement, 38-year-old Andretti drew tributes from across motorsports, including an especially heartfelt message from Stewart. Recognizing Andretti’s meticulous approach to racing, Stewart shared,
Your attention and passion to details, that’s what you’ve brought to the sport. As a racecar driver, you just never let anything slip. Every time I talked to you during May…having those conversations is what I enjoyed…I’ve loved racing with you…Wouldn’t trade those moments for the world, man.
– Tony Stewart.
Stewart singled out Andretti’s drive to clinch the 2022 SRX championship as truly defining, noting that Marco triumphed over star drivers such as Ryan Newman, Bobby Labonte, and Stewart himself. The win was particularly meaningful as it was the first championship for the Andretti family in over three decades. The last came from Mario Andretti (CART Series, 1984) and Michael Andretti (CART title, 1991). Stewart described this shared moment as one of his life’s greatest highlights:
Watching you win a championship and being able to be a part of that was one of the highlights of my life,
– Tony Stewart.
Beyond racing, Stewart recognized the personal friendship he and many others had with Andretti, saying,
Aside from the three decades you’ve contributed to motorsports, above and beyond that is just your friendship for all of us. All of us in IndyCar, all of us in NASCAR, all of us in the dirt-track world – all of us that you touched in our lives. So we’re proud to know you, proud to call you a great friend, and we love you, brother. Take care.
– Tony Stewart.
Andretti, now moving into retirement, plans to focus on family, including his one-year-old daughter Miura, and take up various business ventures. His exit from active competition signals the conclusion of a significant chapter for one of racing’s most storied families.
Stewart Focuses on New Partnerships and the Next Racing Chapter
While Marco Andretti steps away from professional driving, Tony Stewart remains deeply engaged in motorsports, preparing for new challenges ahead of 2026. Stewart’s background is one of versatility, with titles in NASCAR, IndyCar (1997), the USAC National Midget Series (1994), and IROC (2006), highlighting a remarkable adaptability.
Recently, Stewart filled in for his wife Leah Pruett, driving her Top Fuel car during her maternity leave, after Pruett gave birth to their child, Dominic James, in November 2024. With Pruett set to return, Stewart looks ahead to piloting the Elite Motorsports Top Fuel dragster, once driven by his NHRA competitor Josh Hart. To strengthen his new chapter, Stewart signed a multi-year partnership with R+L Carriers, a prominent global logistics company. The agreement was supported by Hart and Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman, marking a major commitment to Stewart’s continued impact in motorsports.
Roby Roberts, R+L Carriers Owner and CEO, highlighted the decision to join forces with Elite Motorsports, emphasizing the unique experiences and robust team culture:
We see a unique opportunity at Elite Motorsports, beyond the performance on the race track. With their vast number of drivers and the alliance with Tony Stewart Racing Nitro, the level of hospitality and the experiences they can offer to our employees is what sets them apart. Elite Motorsports is a family of their own, and we’re excited to join a team that shares our mentality.
– Roby Roberts, Owner and CEO of R+L Carriers.
While Stewart continues to chase new opportunities and titles, he remains closely connected with the racing world, including friends and former competitors like Andretti. The two champions’ intertwined journeys underscore the respect, camaraderie, and achievements that define motorsports at its finest.
The Lasting Impact of Legacy and Friendship in Racing
Marco Andretti leaves behind a powerful legacy—a career distinguished not just by results but by resilience, dedication, and the meaningful relationships forged along the way. His story intertwines with other prominent figures like Michael Andretti and Mario Andretti, each making their mark on the sport’s history.
As Tony Stewart extends his career through new partnerships and as Marco Andretti transitions to the next phase of his life, the racing community is reminded of the importance of passion and friendship that carry beyond the track. Stewart’s recent tribute, filled with genuine admiration and warmth, stands as a testament to both men’s impact and the enduring appeal of motorsports for fans, teams, and athletes alike. With new talent stepping up and seasoned veterans like Stewart embracing evolving roles, the legacy of legends such as Andretti is sure to inspire future generations within the world of racing.
