Tony Stewart Returns to Roots with Home-Track Midget Car Entry

Tony Stewart announced on 8 July 2026 that he will field a midget car at his hometown track, bringing his racing career full circle back to the short-track roots that launched his NASCAR success.

What happened?

On Friday, July 8, 2026, Stewart revealed plans to compete in a USAC-sanctioned midget race at the Indianapolis Speedrome, the venue where he first learned to race as a teenager. The former three-time NASCAR champion will run a purpose-built 0.5-litre engine car, backed by his own Stewart-Haas Racing crew chief, Mike Bugare.

The announcement came during a press conference at the Speedrome’s clubhouse, where Stewart highlighted the “pure, raw feeling” of midget racing. He added that the car will be prepared by his longtime mechanic, Ryan Pemberton, and will feature a chassis built by former USAC champion Jeff Gordon.

Why it matters for Tony Stewart

Stewart’s move is more than a nostalgic cameo; it signals a rare crossover between top-level stock-car racing and grassroots short-track competition. While most NASCAR stars stay within the series, Stewart’s participation could spark renewed interest in midget events, drawing fans who follow his Cup victories.

Industry analysts note that his involvement may boost sponsorship dollars for USAC, as Stewart’s name carries a marketable legacy. Moreover, the driver’s experience with high-speed drafting and tire management could introduce new strategic elements to a discipline traditionally focused on outright speed.

How will the team prepare?

The team has already begun testing the midget chassis at the Speedrome’s ¼-mile oval. Early lap times posted on July 9 showed Stewart’s car averaging 84.3 mph, a competitive figure for the class. Pemberton confirmed that the engine will be a turbo-charged Briggs & Stratton unit, tuned to deliver 140 hp.

Stewart will also run a limited practice schedule, balancing his responsibilities as a co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. He plans to skip the upcoming NASCAR Cup race at Pocono to focus on the midget event, a decision that surprised many of his crew members.

What comes next?

The midget race is slated for Saturday, July 10, 2026, with a 30-lap sprint format. If Stewart finishes in the top three, he has pledged to donate a portion of his winnings to the Speedrome’s youth driver development program.

Fans can purchase tickets through the Speedrome’s website, where a special “Stewart Legacy” package includes a meet-and-greet after the race. The event is expected to draw a crowd of over 5,000, a record for the venue.

Stewart’s return to his roots underscores a broader trend of veteran drivers seeking fresh challenges outside the NASCAR bubble, reminding the racing world that passion often begins on the smallest ovals.