The world of motorsports broadcasting is experiencing a fiery shake-up after Danica Patrick’s recent appearance as a FOX Sports analyst for the Indy 500 coverage drew sharp criticism from fans and racing purists alike. As backlash mounts online, a growing wave of supporters is calling for the return of NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart to the broadcast booth — a move that could reignite FOX’s connection with hardcore racing audiences.

Danica’s Broadcast Role Sparks Controversy

Danica Patrick, the former IndyCar and NASCAR driver turned media personality, was tapped by FOX Sports to provide expert commentary during the build-up to and live broadcast of the 2025 Indy 500. While FOX has praised Patrick as a pioneering figure in motorsports and a seasoned professional, many viewers were left disappointed by what they felt was a lackluster, disengaged performance.

“She just didn’t bring the energy or insights we were hoping for,” said one fan on Twitter. “It felt like she was reading from a script and not really connecting with the heart of the race.”

Critics specifically pointed to Patrick’s perceived inability to capture the drama of key race moments, her hesitancy in offering detailed technical analysis, and a tone that some found “distant” or “disconnected” from the emotional gravity of the event.

Others took issue with the fact that Patrick, while once a central figure in IndyCar, has not been actively involved in the racing circuit for several years. “You can’t fake passion,” another fan commented. “We need someone in the booth who lives and breathes this world.”

Stewart’s Name Dominates the Fan Conversation

As the criticism against Patrick grew louder, one name started trending across social media platforms: Tony Stewart. Known for his gritty personality, sharp wit, and encyclopedic knowledge of racing, Stewart served as a broadcaster for FOX in previous seasons and has long been a fan-favorite both on and off the track.

Within hours of the broadcast, hashtags like #BringBackTony and #StewartForTheBooth began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of fans sharing clips from Stewart’s past commentary moments, praising his authenticity, humor, and deep understanding of racing strategy.

“Tony Stewart doesn’t just talk about racing. He lives it,” wrote one fan. “Put him back on FOX and ratings will soar.”

A Change.org petition titled “Replace Danica Patrick with Tony Stewart in FOX IndyCar Coverage” garnered over 50,000 signatures in less than 48 hours.

FOX Sports Responds to Backlash

In response to the growing backlash, FOX Sports released a brief statement defending Patrick’s role, noting her “groundbreaking contributions to the sport and her valuable perspective as one of IndyCar’s most iconic drivers.”

“We are proud to have Danica Patrick on our Indy 500 team,” the statement read. “Her experience and voice bring a unique dimension to our coverage.”

However, insiders say that while FOX is standing by Patrick publicly, internal discussions are underway about rotating analysts in future broadcasts — especially as the network looks to revamp its motorsports programming to stay competitive against NBC and streaming platforms gaining traction with younger audiences.

A Broader Conversation About Representation in Motorsports Media

The controversy has also sparked a larger debate about gender representation and media expectations. Some fans and commentators argue that Patrick is being held to a harsher standard than her male counterparts.

“Danica’s no worse than many of the men we’ve seen in that role,” said one motorsports journalist. “She’s just more visible, and that makes her an easy target for criticism.”

Still, others maintain that the issue is not about gender but about engagement and relevance. “We want someone who’s still plugged into the sport, someone who can explain what’s happening as it happens,” one Reddit user wrote. “Tony Stewart can do that. Danica just didn’t deliver.”

What’s Next for FOX and the Indy 500 Broadcast Team?

Whether FOX will heed the calls to bring back Tony Stewart remains to be seen, but the message from the motorsports community is clear: fans want passion, energy, and insider knowledge from their broadcast teams — and they’re willing to speak up when they feel those expectations aren’t met.

As the IndyCar season continues and FOX looks ahead to future races, all eyes will be on the network’s next move. Will they double down on Danica Patrick or make a dramatic pivot and bring back a legend like Tony Stewart?

One thing’s for certain: the fans have made their voices heard — and the broadcast booth may never be the same again.