Tony Stewart continues to redefine what a racing legend looks like in 2025. At 53 years old, “Smoke” added yet another achievement to his already loaded resume—an NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel win at Las Vegas. But while Stewart celebrated that long-awaited victory, his heart and mind are already turned toward the Indianapolis 500.
And not because he’s planning a return.
Instead, he’s keeping a close eye on someone who could rewrite a chapter of his legacy—Kyle Larson.
🏆 A Racing Résumé for the Ages
From NASCAR Cup Championships to USAC Triple Crowns to now an NHRA Top Fuel Dragster victory, Stewart’s trophy case spans nearly every major racing series in North America. And yet, it’s not just the accolades that impress—it's his ability to stay competitive across decades and disciplines.
“I want to create an official list of what we've raced, what we've won in, and what we haven't won in,” Stewart said.
“I have a feeling I’m going to be overwhelmed with it.”
With his Las Vegas win, that list just got even longer.
Keyword targets: Tony Stewart NHRA 2025, NHRA Las Vegas Top Fuel results, multi-discipline racing champions
🏎️ The One That Got Away: The Indianapolis 500
Despite starting five Indy 500s between 1996 and 2001, Stewart never captured the elusive Borg-Warner Trophy. His best finish was 5th in 1997, and his final IndyCar race came in 2001.
Yet, Stewart made history in another way. In 2001, he became the only driver ever to complete all 1,100 miles of the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—finishing 6th at Indy and 3rd at Charlotte.
“I’ve already got enough participation awards from Indy,” Stewart quipped.
Keyword targets: Tony Stewart Indy 500 record, Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 same day, IndyCar/NASCAR Double Day stats
🌧️ Kyle Larson's Shot at History
Stewart won’t be racing at Indy this year—but he’ll be watching. 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson will attempt the Double for the second time after weather ruined his debut attempt in 2024.
Larson finished all 200 laps at Indy but missed the start of the Coca-Cola 600 due to a four-hour rain delay. In 2025, he’s back, and Stewart believes the stars could align.
“I think it’d be easy for Kyle to do that—matching the mileage, being on the lead lap both of those races,” Stewart said.
“And I don’t think it’s out of the realm for him to beat what we did as far as performance.”
That’s high praise from a man who owns the best-known Double Day result in racing history.
🎙️ If the Record Falls, Let It Be to Larson
Records are made to be broken—and even Stewart admits that part of him would rather keep his.
“I think anybody that has a record, in the back of their mind doesn’t want it to be broken,” he laughed.
“But if it’s going to be broken, Kyle’s the guy I want to do it.”
That says a lot about both men—and the respect they have for the grind.
🚫 Stewart Shuts Down Indy 500 Comeback Rumors
For fans hoping Stewart might make a surprise return to Indy this May, he had some sobering words:
“The last time I was in an Indy car was 2001… To go there and even think that I’m going to be competitive is, in my opinion, very unrealistic.”
He admits he could probably qualify and finish the race, but winning? That window has passed.
“These guys are so good at these cars… I don’t feel like I would have that input to give to the team.”
🔚 Final Thoughts: A Legend Who Still Loves the Game
Whether it's winning NHRA drag races, mentoring young talent, or watching Kyle Larson chase his legacy, Tony Stewart remains a central figure in American motorsports.
He may no longer be chasing Indy glory, but he's still chasing greatness—just in different forms.
And as May approaches, he’ll be right where he belongs: in the middle of the action, cheering on the next generation, and adding chapters to a story that’s still being written.
💬 What Do You Think?
Will Kyle Larson finish The Double this year? Should Tony Stewart return to Indy one last time? Share your thoughts in the comments!
0 Comments