Tony Stewart does not want to return to Indy 500 to make up the numbers

Before accumulating titles and victories in Nascar Cup Series, while leading one of the top teams on the grid, Tony Stewart reigned over the IndyCar Series in the mid-90s.

1997 champion of the discipline, the American never shone in Indianapolis, achieving his best result only a fifth place in 1997, the year of his title. Author of five starts on the legendary oval, Stewart would like to try the adventure again but not under any conditions.

" If I go there, it won't be just to run there, said Tony Stewart on the sidelines of the presentation of the new Ford Mustang which will play in the Nascar Cup Series in 2019.

I don't want to be an attraction like Danica (Patrick) was at Indy this year. If I race, I want to feel like I have the same chance of winning as everyone else on the grid. 

It's an insult to the drivers who race every week to come in and think you're going to be as good as them. They are on their land, they know their cars. 

It’s crazy to think you can just show up, be competitive, and have a chance of winning. If I had to do it, I would definitely want to do at least one race first. One run may not even be enough to get where you want to be. If I do it, I do it because I want to win the race. »

In addition to Danica Patrick's return this year to the Indy 500 for her final career race, Kurt Busch, current driver of the Stewart-Haas Racing – Ford in the Cup Series, competed in the Indianapolis 500 in 2014 with Andretti Autosport for its debut on the oval. 

Sixth at the finish, the 2004 Nascar champion then headed to Charlotte (North Carolina) to take part in the Coca-Cola 600, and thus achieve the famous Double Duty on the same day.