Asked recently if he might consider a return to Indy next year to drive in the Indianapolis 500 should the opportunity arise, Tony Steart [#20 Home Depot Chevy] had a two-word response: “No chance.” Stewart has made five Indy starts, the last in 2001 when he finished sixth. His name popped up several times last May, but he said then he wouldn’t attempt another double of the Indy 500 in the afternoon and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 that night at Charlotte, NC. The Columbus, Ind., native was courted last summer by Chip Ganassi before re-signing with Joe Gibbs Racing. Stewart drove for Ganassi in the 2001 Indy 500 but said the NASCAR and Indy Racing League team owner didn’t dangle Indy as a carrot in their discussions. Stewart said the decision to restrict his visits to Indianapolis Motor Speedway to August is his alone and not a stipulation of his contract with team owner Joe Gibbs. Staying away in May doesn’t mean the race isn’t still high on his priority list.( Indianapolis Star )(12-12-2003)
