Tony Stewart Returning To Indy 500 To Sponsor Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Entry

The Tony Stewart Foundation will sponsor Schmidt Peterson Motorsports' No. 77 entry at the Indianapolis 500 “under the auspices" of Team One Cure, a "project to benefit the Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center,” according to Brant James of USA TODAY. A driver “has not been announced, but the news is certain to re-fire fanciful speculation that the 45-year-old Stewart … could race the car.” Stewart has “vociferously denied any further ambitions to drive in the Indianapolis 500, though, making this bid most likely an outlet for his charitable efforts to benefit children and animals.” Stewart drove in the race five times from '96-'01 (USATODAY.com, 2/7). NBCSPORTS.com's Tony DiZinno notes this "confirms SPM’s third car in the race for a fifth year running." Team One Cure "follows on from Stewart’s philanthropic work, which has been known within some racing circles but not a widespread audience" (NBCSPORTS.com, 2/7).