Revving up for six consecutive Thursday night showdowns of prime-time racing magic, the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) Series took the green flag on ESPN, making its grand debut on July 13, igniting a sensational revival of the legendary “Thursday Night Thunder” on the network. But the true mesmerizing spectacle was witnessing a former NASCAR Cup Series champion return to the racetrack after long.

At 68 years old and boasting a storied racing career spanning over three decades in NASCAR, this seasoned speedster boldly embarked on his first full-time SRX season. Astonishingly, he crossed the checkered flag in a remarkable 7th place, proving that even after two decades away from the track, his racing prowess was still alive and well.

In the pre-race interview following the practice run, the driver of the No. 52 car was spotted having a blast, playfully needling none other than Tony Stewart.

Why does the former NASCAR champion feel sorry for Tony Stewart and Marco Andretti?

Despite his age, the NASCAR legend remains a force to be reckoned with, tearing up the track in renowned races. In a recent jaw-dropping spectacle at the Toledo Speedway, he even took a school bus for a spin on a daring figure-eight course and emerged as the triumphant victor.

Believe it or not, Ken Schrader‘s awe-inspiring performance at the ripe age of 68 left fans absolutely astounded. And ever since the news broke that he would be joining Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) full-time, the NASCAR faithful have been looking out his every move.

Recently, at Stafford, where Ken Schrader, Tony Stewart, and Marco Andretti gathered for a practice race, Tony’s team orchestrated a delightful interview and a playful exchange, with the seasoned star having a blast alongside his younger counterparts.

When the anchor asked Ken Schrader about his two-decade hiatus from the track, he cleverly quipped that it was probably his one and only time back there. Still, thanks to a well-behaved car during the practice race, he didn’t hit anywhere hard during the practice race, which had him excited about the race.

However, Tony didn’t quite see eye to eye, pointing out that Ken had snatched the third spot on the sheet while he and Marco Andretti trailed in the 10th and 11th positions. Without missing a beat, Ken Schroeder fired back with a sharp and witty retort: “I really feel for you guys. I feel terrible for you, Tony,” sending everyone into fits of laughter.

But it wasn’t just the fans who relished the moment. Even Tony Stewart himself couldn’t help but enjoy the banter, as the legendary driver has always been on his list of favorites.

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Who is Tony Stewart’s all-time hero?

For the past three years, Tony Stewart has been the driving force behind the SRX Series, but it’s taken all this time to finally entice his ultimate favorite, Ken Schrader, into the full-time race. Last year, in 2022, the racing legend made a one-off appearance at I-55 Speedway for Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), clinching a respectable third place, just behind Tony Stewart and Marco Andretti.

Yet, let’s not forget that Schrader is no ordinary racer; he’s a true globe-trotting daredevil, known for conquering diverse vehicles in various corners of the world. Once again, fans were thrilled to witness this legendary speedster take on the Stafford raceway, where Tony Stewart revealed his all-time first and second favorite NASCAR motorists.

During the same pre-race interview, when Tony Stewart was asked about his dream racing opponent from the past, he earnestly expressed, “I wish I could race against AJ Foy; that was my no. 1 all-time hero; my no. 2 all-time hero is sitting two seats right of me,” nodding towards Ken Schrader.

In a humorous retort to the audience, Schrader mocked, “Well, that should give you some insight into just how screwed up he is. Seems like there were a few too many head injuries there.”

It seems Schrader finds it hard to believe that he could be an idol for someone else. However, there’s no denying that his presence at the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) Series will heap pressure on the young drivers, as he’s likely to outshine most of them with his extraordinary skills.

Read More: “He ‘Schooled’ All Those Kids!”—Fans in Awe as 67-Year-Old NASCAR Legend Aces a Unique Racing Challenge