Having a rich cultural history, Indiana is also quite easily one of the most ‘sports-rich’ states in the USA. Home to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, the Hoosier State also has an extensive racing history. Hosting the prestigious Indianapolis 500, the State of Indiana also housed NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 Cup Series race until 2020.

Relocating the sets of his ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ to the city of Indianapolis, former NFL punter and $30 million worth sports personality, Pat McAfee was in for a culture shock, as he quickly learned about the rich racing history of Indiana and its hero, Tony ‘Smoke’ Stewart.

Tony Stewart overshadows NFL legend Peyton Manning

Drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2009, Pat McAfee retired from the NFL post the 2016 season. Having no experience in the world of motorsport, McAfee idolized the NFL legend, Peyton Manning. During his 14 seasons stint with the Indianapolis Colts, Manning’s stardom turned Indiana into a football-centric state. But what many forget is that Indiana’s sports culture stems from the world of automotive racing. 

In a recent episode of The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee invited NASCAR’s very own Tony Stewart for a chat. Introducing Smoke to his audience, McAfee ranked the three-time Cup Series champion over NFL legend Peyton Manning. “This man that was born, raised here in Indiana. He’s something of an absolute hero here in Indiana. Because you know, Indiana is the home of the Indianapolis 500, but it’s also home to a lot of racing. So whenever these are little kids here, you know who your heroes are? F**king race car drivers!” McAfee said.

He further added, “Before Peyton Manning got here, it was not a football town. No, no, it was a racing town and a basketball town. So a lot of young racers come up through Indiana, and one that came up through the Indiana racing system, that went on to not only win the IndyCar Series, he’s gone and won the NASCAR Cup Series three times. And on August 30th, I do believe, in Brownsburg Indiana, this m**herf**ker is going to be drag racing too! If it has an engine in it, he wants to race it! And he’s not just going to race it, he’s going to win it! Ladies and gentlemen Tony ‘Smoke’ Stewart!”

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Iterating how Smoke will race anything with an engine in it and win, Pat McAfee also pointed out how Tony Stewart has now set out to make his mark in the NHRA.

Tony Stewart’s NHRA journey

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Having competed in NASCAR, IndyCar, ARCA Menards, and his SRX Series, Tony Stewart’s racing thirst was not quenched. Making his drag racing debut last season at the NHRA Nevada Nationals, Smoke then joined the NHRA full-time for the 2023 season. 

Coming close to a win last season, Stewart collected his first drag racing win at the Las Vegas NHRA race in April. Further cementing himself as a top contender, Smoke collected his second win at the Indianapolis Top Alcohol event in the month of May. 

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Now in preparation for the upcoming Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals race, can Smoke add another drag racing win to his name?