As the countdown to the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 continues, excitement is reaching a fever pitch, especially with the announcement that motorsports legend Tony Stewart will join Fox Sports as a special guest commentator. This year’s race, held at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marks Fox Sports’ debut as the broadcaster for the event, bringing new energy and anticipation to one of racing’s most iconic weekends.
Fox Sports, under the leadership of CEO Eric Shanks—a passionate IndyCar fan—has been preparing for a weekend packed with high-stakes racing and compelling personalities. The motorsports world is abuzz not only because of the on-track action but also due to recent controversies, such as Team Penske’s technical penalties that have shaken up the paddock. Amidst these storylines, Tony Stewart’s addition to the broadcast team has captured headlines, thanks to his storied history at Indianapolis and the unique perspective he brings.
Tony Stewart is no stranger to the Indy 500. Between 1996 and 2001, he competed in five editions of the race, earning a reputation for his versatility and courage behind the wheel. Stewart’s career highlights include winning the 1997 IndyCar Series championship and achieving the legendary “Double” in 2001—completing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, a grueling 1,100-mile feat.
More recently, Stewart proved his competitive spirit remains undiminished by winning at the NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Top Fuel Dragster event in Las Vegas. Now, as he returns to Indianapolis in a new capacity, Stewart is set to provide expert analysis and insight for Fox Sports’ first-ever Indy 500 broadcast.
Reflecting on his legacy and the current state of the sport, Stewart said:
“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.”
Stewart’s return to the Indy 500 broadcast comes at a time of upheaval for the sport. Roger Penske, owner of both the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, recently faced scrutiny after two of his cars failed technical inspections, leading to the dismissal of three key executives. Despite these off-track challenges, Stewart expressed his excitement to be part of this pivotal moment for both Fox Sports 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.”
Stewart’s connections with drivers like Marco Andretti, Conor Daly, and James Hinchcliffe highlight his deep ties within the racing community, ensuring that his commentary will be both informed and heartfelt.
One of the most compelling stories of this year’s Indy 500 is NASCAR star Kyle Larson’s attempt at the famed “Double”—competing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Stewart remains the last driver to have successfully completed this feat, setting a high bar for those who follow. Last year, Larson’s attempt was thwarted by a rain delay and a speeding penalty, resulting in an 18th-place finish at Indianapolis, while storms in Charlotte prevented him from starting the second race.
Stewart believes Larson is uniquely qualified to take on this challenge and perhaps even surpass his own legendary performance:
“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. But if it’s going to be broken, Kyle’s the guy I want to do it.”
Larson, with 32 NASCAR Cup Series wins and growing fan support, is the center of attention as he seeks to make history across both prestigious races.
This year also marks a significant transition for Stewart, following the closure of his Stewart-Haas Racing team after 16 years, two championships, and 70 Cup Series victories. The decision, announced in 2024, left many fans wondering about Stewart’s future in motorsports. Despite the uncertainty and debate surrounding the team’s closure, Stewart remains committed to the racing community and eager to contribute in new ways.
His involvement with Fox Sports and support for drivers like Larson reflect his enduring passion for the sport and his desire to help shape its future.
As the 109th Indianapolis 500 approaches, anticipation is high—not just for the on-track battles, but also for the stories that will unfold in the broadcast booth. Stewart’s presence promises to bring a blend of experience, insight, and enthusiasm that will enrich the viewing experience for fans old and new.
With Fox Sports stepping into the spotlight as the new voice of IndyCar coverage, and with legends like Stewart and rising stars like Larson at the center of the action, this year’s Indy 500 is poised to be a landmark event. Whether or not Larson can break Stewart’s “Double” record remains to be seen, but for drivers, fans, and everyone involved, this race weekend is a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
