Tony Stewart confirms plans about “coming back to NASCAR races”

Tony Stewart has given his shared his view on returning to NASCAR race weekends for the first time since ceasing SHR operations.

Tony Stewart confirms plans about “coming back to NASCAR races”

Tony Stewart (Via RACER.com)

Ex-NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart sewered his last direct connection with the sport in 2024, when Stewart Haas Racing that he co-owned with Gene Haas ceased its operations. They sold three of their charters and became a single car team under the Haas Factory Team brand, while the veteran shifted focus to NHRA racing with his wife Leah.

The champion driver isn’t going to let the end of SHR to end his journeys to NASCAR races. In a recent interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Tony Stewart confirmed that he is planning to come back to the race weekends and is set to take advantage of the hard card he has gotten after NASCAR Hall of fame induction that given him unique access.

YouTube video

I’m definitely planning on coming back to NASCAR races. As a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, I get a hard card. I don’t know if NASCAR has the ability to revoke that or not but until they do revoke it, I’m going to take advantage of having a hard card and I definitely want to come back and see everybody.

Tony Stewart said via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Further talking about the point, Stewart highlighted that he had missed a lot of things about NASCAR, mostly the people who has supported him throughout his career and ones he shared solid relationship with. He is looking forward to watching races together with them again.

I miss a lot of things about NASCAR and most of all the people. The people are what I enjoyed about it and the relationships I had there. Definitely looking forward to coming back and seeing everybody.

Tony Stewart added.

Tony Stewart gives verdict on potentially making an IndyCar return

The NASCAR champion started his career in the IndyCar pyramid, even won a championship, before making the move to stock car racing. Its been over 24 years since he raced in the event, with the 2001 Indy 500 attempt and was asked by Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass about making a final start at event. He admitted that it’s an unrealistic goal at the moment.

Tony Stewart
Tony Stewart (Via IMAGO)

The last time I was in an IndyCar was 2001, 20 plus years now. To go there and even think that I’m going to be competitive is in my opinion very unrealistic.

Tony Stewart told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

Further talking about the point, Stewart asserted that the only way he is going to get back to the mega race at the Indy 500 was if he has a team and car capable of winning races. But despite that, he doesn’t think he is capable of racing against the elite racers like he used to in his prime.  

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 added.

The comments from Tony Stewart seems wise, as a 20-year absence from the open wheel scene might have cost him the skill sets that once made him great in his heyday. But neither the NASCAR fans nor the IndyCar fans will be complaining if the veteran come back for one last time.