Rob Gronkowski brought his well-known humor to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of the 109th Indianapolis 500, serving as the Grand Marshal for the event’s famous Snake Pit infield party. The NFL star energized the enthusiastic crowd and made a playful remark about Tony Stewart, affectionately nicknamed Smoke, during the FOX broadcast of the race.
During the lively moment shared by Tony Stewart Racing on X, Gronkowski quipped,
“You have to be here, you guys are missing out the biggest party. There’s a lot of smoke here and I’m not talking about Tony Stewart,”
Rob Gronkowski said.
Tony Stewart’s Remarkable Career Achievements Across Racing Disciplines
Tony Stewart, the 1997 IndyCar Series champion, has left a lasting impression in various forms of motorsports. Following his switch to NHRA drag racing last season, he has already claimed two wins this year, setting him apart as the only driver with multiple victories in NHRA, NASCAR, IndyCar, and USAC racing.
At 54 years old, Stewart is also the only driver to complete the grueling combination of the 1100 miles at the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. This rare feat, known as “The Double,” is a daunting test of endurance, one that Kyle Larson will attempt again as he starts 19th at the Indy 500 on May 25, becoming the third driver to repeatedly take on this challenge.
Stewart’s most recent Top Fuel Dragster victories include a win at The Strip in Las Vegas and a triumph at Route 66 Raceway last week, demonstrating his adaptability and sustained competitiveness in drag racing.
Tony Stewart Reflects on the Challenges Faced This Year at the Indy 500
Ahead of the iconic race, Tony Stewart joined FOX Sports’ pre-race coverage alongside Danica Patrick and Chris Myers, with Tom Rinaldi and Erin Andrews contributing features and interviews. At a press conference following the Route 66 Raceway event, Stewart opened up about the unprecedented difficulties confronting drivers in this year’s Indy 500 preparations.
“In my career and my legacy in motorsports is that I’ve had my feet in every pool, it seems like, in every capacity. But it’s not about what we’re doing this weekend. Next weekend’s about the Indianapolis 500, it’s about the people,” Tony Stewart said in a video shared on Instagram by @tsrsmoke.
“This year, all of us sat and watched the last couple of days of what these drivers went through and are going through. It is probably one of the toughest years I’ve seen in Indy for drivers driving these race cars,” he added.
Stewart also expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with FOX Sports, the broadcasting partner for the IndyCar Series, reflecting his deep respect for the race and his connections within the racing community. The 109th Indianapolis 500 was set to begin at 12:45 pm ET, marking a significant event in this challenging season.
The Enduring Significance of Tony Stewart’s Role in Racing
Tony Stewart’s ongoing involvement in multiple racing disciplines highlights not only his extensive talent but also his commitment to the motorsports world. His ability to adapt to different forms of racing, such as NHRA drag racing and NASCAR, adds to his legacy as a versatile and accomplished athlete.
As the racing community continues to navigate a difficult year marked by intensified challenges, Stewart’s reflections and achievements serve as a reminder of the resilience and dedication required at the highest levels. His presence as a commentator, competitor, and supporter underscores the importance of experience and passion in the sport’s future.
