Tony Stewart reveals if one final Indy 500 run is on the table

It’s been 24 years since Tony Stewart competed in an IndyCar race. By then, 2001, Stewart was racing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Stewart never came back to IndyCar for a one-off run in the Indy 500, a race he took part in five times, finishing a career-best fifth in 1997. Now 53 and focused on his NHRA career, Smoke said that one final Indy 500 start is not in the cards. Stewart wants to win; he doesn’t think it’s possible at this stage.

Tony Stewart is the first NASCAR Cup winner to also win an NHRA top fuel event. Coming off his win at Las Vegas, as he did the media rounds, of course the question of whether he has another Indianapolis 500 attempt in him came up. His answer: @IndyCarOnFOX pic.twitter.com/yJaq1WvBMB

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 16, 2025

“The last time I was in an IndyCar was 2001, 20 plus years now,” Stewart said Tuesday, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “To go there and even think that I’m going to be competitive is in my opinion very unrealistic. Do I feel like I can make the race and have a solid showing? I do feel like I can do that, but I don’t feel like I have what it takes not being in the car for so long. These guys are so good in these cars and have such a feel and read on what these cars are and what the car needs.

“I don’t feel I would have that input to help the team make the right decisions to put together the right package and have a winning car. I’ve already got enough participation trophies from Indy. … The only way I’m going back to the Indy 500 is if I truly feel I have a shot to win the Indy 500. I think whatever team I end up with would be capable of doing it; I don’t feel like I’d be capable because of [a lack of] seat time. Just don’t think it’s in my cards.”

Tony Stewart pulling for Kyle Larson

Stewart, the Indiana native, fell short of winning the Indy 500 during his career. Still, Stewart is a three-time Cup champion, IndyCar champion and known as one of the greatest drivers of all-time, regardless of series. He’s also the only driver to complete the Indy-Charlotte Double, racing the full 1,100 miles in the same day. Stewart finished sixth in the Indy 500 and third in the Coca-Cola 600 in 2001.

Kyle Larson is attempting The Double once again this year. Stewart is pulling for Larson to top his performance.

“I don’t think it’s out of the realm for him to beat what we did in terms of performance,” Stewart said, via Scott Horner of the Indianapolis Star. “He’s more than capable of doing that, as well. If anyone’s going to break [Stewart’s feat], I’d like it to be Kyle. … Anytime he’s racing anything, I’m a fan.”