Stewart’s new series set to race in Wisconsin
Tony Stewart's new racing series will bring an international field to a Wisconsin short track to race next summer.
The question remains which one. The Superstar Racing Experience, launched by Stewart and championship-winning crew chief Ray Evernham, teased the six-race schedule Tuesday as it continues to trickle out information to build fan interest ahead of its six-race inaugural season. A social media post included a map of the United States with six states highlighted, including Wisconsin.
Some agreements with tracks and
drivers have not been finalized, an SRX spokesman said in declining to offer more specifics about the series' Wisconsin date. SRX anticipates announcing the full schedule and list of drivers in early January.
Indications point to SRX racing at either Slinger Speedway or one of the state's many dirt tracks. Madison International Speedway and ARCA Midwest Tour promoter Gregg McKarns said SRX is not racing at any of the facilities with which he is involved, which eliminates many of the suitable asphalt tracks. Slinger Speedway promoter Todd Thelen did not immediately respond to a message.
Three tracks already have been announced – Stewart's Eldora Speedway in Ohio, Lucas Oil Raceway near Indianapolis and Stafford Speedway in Connecticut – but no dates have been provided. The other states teased
Tuesday were Iowa and Tennessee.
SRX has said its intention is not to compete with NASCAR but rather to be one more option for fans with 12 recognizable drivers competing in evenly matched, purpose-built cars. CBS Television is a partner and will televise the six Saturday night events.
Drivers announced so far are: Stewart, Bobby Labonte and Bill Elliott, all of whom are NASCAR Hall of Fame members; three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and 2020 IMSA champion Helio Castroneves; IndyCar champion and Indy winner Tony Kanaan; CART champion Paul Tracy; Mark Webber, who won nine Formula One races; Willy T. Ribbs, a sports-car ace and the first Black driver in the Indy 500; and Trans Am champion Ernie Francis Jr.
The final three spots are likely to be shared by partial-season drivers.
Matt Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR champion and two-time Daytona 500 winner from Wisconsin, said he had discussed racing in the series but has a conflict that would prevent him from racing the entire schedule.