Tony Stewart Rules Out INDY500 Return for Two Key Reasons: ‘Literally One of the Deciding Factors’

Renowned racer Tony Stewart has made a surprising revelation regarding the possibility of his return to the INDY500, highlighting two key reasons that were instrumental in his decision. Although his career in NASCAR is legendary, Stewart got off to a promising start in IndyCar in the ’90s, distinguishing himself in the IRL series.

However, when speaking about his absence from the INDY500 and IndyCar Series recently, Stewart shared a simple but crucial reason that kept him from considering a return. In an interview with MotorTrend, he explained that in the early 2000s, IndyCar drivers typically weighed less than 165 pounds, while he weighed close to 190 pounds at the time. He emphasized that he wasn’t willing to diet to lose 25 pounds just to compete in the INDY500, and that was “literally one of the deciding factors.”

Stewart highlighted the strict weight regime in IndyCar as one of the fundamental reasons for his choice not to return to the iconic Indianapolis race. His frankness on this issue offers unique insight into the complexities and physical demands drivers face in the single-seater category.

### The 1997 IndyCar Season: Dreams and Reality for Tony Stewart

The 1997 season was a milestone in Tony Stewart’s career, not only marking the start of his journey as an elite driver, but also propelling his fame in NASCAR over the following years. He has expressed his desire to be lured back to IndyCar, but the specific physical demands of the category, including body weight, have been limiting factors for the driver.

Discussing his experience in IndyCar in the 2000s, Stewart also emphasized that the category required continued commitment to remain competitive. He noted that by listening to contemporary drivers such as Marco Andretti, Dario Franchitti and Tony K’naan, he understood the technical complexity of IndyCar cars. Lack of consistent time spent in the category could put a driver at a disadvantage, according to Stewart.

Admiring F1: Respect for Brakes and Driver Technique

In addition to his thoughts on IndyCar, Stewart shared his positive experience swapping seats with Lewis Hamilton in Formula 1. He praised the technical skill of the F1 drivers, particularly highlighting the quality of the brakes of the cars. The revelation about how F1 impressed Stewart adds an interesting perspective on the different disciplines of motorsport.

Tony Stewart’s refusal to return to the INDY500 due to physical and technical factors provides a transparent insight into the complexities drivers face when making decisions about participating in different categories. His versatile career and honesty about his choices contribute to understanding the unique challenges faced by motorsport icons.

This announcement from Stewart marks another chapter in the history of motorsport and his remarkable career, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the crucial considerations that shape a legendary driver’s decisions.