On June 26, NASCAR legend and current NHRA Top Fuel points leader Tony Stewart will headline a celebrity lineup at the Thursday Night Thunder Heroes Race held at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. This special event, dedicated to honoring Irish Saunders, will feature eight motorsports veterans competing in pavement midget cars, blending racing history with a unique competitive spirit.
Veteran Racers Returning to a Beloved Track
Stewart, who has a rich history racing at Indianapolis Raceway Park before his Hall of Fame NASCAR career, will return behind the wheel of a midget car. Known as “Smoke,” Stewart has previously earned victories at the track in USAC Silver Crown, Midget, and Sprint Car competitions. His last appearance at IRP was in May 2024, driving a Ford Crown Vic.
Joining Stewart is three-time NHRA world champion Ron Capps, who will drive the No. 29 Allstar Midget for Matt Seymour Racing. Though primarily known for drag racing, Capps has taken left turns at venues like the Chili Bowl and Eldora Speedway but will make his first-ever start on the IRP oval during this event.
Another notable competitor is five-time Chili Bowl Nationals champion Sammy Swindell. Swindell has previously raced six times at IRP, including a notable fourth place in the Midget Allstar Special in August last year. His presence adds seasoned sprint car expertise to the field.
Indy Native Ryan Newman and Other Racing Legends Join the Field
Ryan Newman, a former Daytona 500 winner and Indianapolis native, will also compete. Newman boasts over 50 career starts at IRP and has remained active on short tracks, participating in series like the SMART Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, alongside prestigious events such as the Little 500.
Seven-time USAC champion Levi Jones will make his first competitive race appearance since 2015, bringing his experience to the event. Currently, Jones serves as the General Manager at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, adding a managerial perspective to his return on the track. Completing the lineup are former IndyCar driver Davey Hamilton, National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Brad Noffsinger, and racer Michael Lewis, rounding out an eight-car field of celebrated drivers.
Event Format and Broadcast Details
The Thursday Night Thunder Heroes Race will feature 20 laps of intense midget racing, conducted alongside a 30-lap All-Star Pavement Midget feature. Fans unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to watch both contests live via FloRacing’s online streaming service, ensuring wide accessibility to the high-profile event.
Significance of the Race and Anticipated Impact
This celebrity midget race showcases the versatility of drivers typically known for other motorsports disciplines, blending drag racers, NASCAR veterans, and sprint car champions on a paved oval. Honoring Irish Saunders, the event reconnects drivers and fans with the rich heritage of pavement midget racing at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Tony Stewart’s participation adds prestige and anticipation, promising a competitive and memorable race that highlights the enduring appeal of grassroots motorsports.
