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NASCAR Team Owner Tony Stewart Suffers Third-Degree Burns in Union County House Fire
Union County, Indiana – May 8, 2025
In a shocking turn of events, NASCAR legend and team owner Tony Stewart has suffered third-degree burns following a devastating house fire late Wednesday night at his rural Union County estate. Emergency crews were dispatched to Stewart’s property around 11:42 p.m., where flames were already engulfing the southern wing of the expansive 8,500-square-foot residence.
Stewart, 53, known for his fiery personality on the racetrack and his equally passionate involvement in motorsports off of it, was reportedly asleep when the fire broke out. According to authorities, the blaze started in the lower level of the home and quickly spread due to high winds and dry conditions.
Union County Sheriff’s Department and Liberty Fire Department confirmed that Stewart was pulled from the structure by a close friend and fellow racing associate, Kyle Randolph, who happened to be staying overnight after an impromptu team meeting held earlier that evening.
“Honestly, I don’t know how I got him out,” said Randolph, still visibly shaken during a Thursday morning press briefing. “The smoke was so thick. I could barely see two feet in front of me. I just followed his voice and dragged him out of there.”
Paramedics on the scene administered emergency treatment for severe burns covering Stewart’s back, arms, and upper torso. He was airlifted from the property to the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center in Indianapolis, where he is currently in stable but critical condition.
According to Dr. Hannah Liu, Chief of Burn Surgery at the center, Stewart’s injuries are “significant but not life-threatening with proper care and rehabilitation.” Dr. Liu confirmed that Stewart had suffered third-degree burns across approximately 30 percent of his body and is likely to require multiple skin grafts and months of recovery.
A Beloved Figure in NASCAR
Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has long been a revered figure in American motorsports. Since retiring from full-time racing in 2016, Stewart has focused on his role as co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, one of the sport’s most competitive teams. Under his leadership, the organization has nurtured the careers of drivers like Kevin Harvick, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Preece.
Stewart has also remained active in grassroots racing and was recently seen participating in a sprint car event just last week. His commitment to the racing community is well-documented, often opening his private Eldora Speedway for charity races and mentoring young drivers on and off the track.
News of his injuries quickly spread across the NASCAR world, prompting an outpouring of support from fans, drivers, and industry officials.
“We’re all thinking of Smoke right now,” said Kevin Harvick in a video statement. “He’s a tough guy. If anyone can fight through this, it’s Tony. The whole Stewart-Haas team is behind him 100 percent.”
NASCAR President Steve Phelps also issued a statement Thursday morning: “Tony Stewart is not only a champion of our sport but one of its most passionate stewards. We are closely monitoring his condition and offer our deepest prayers for his full recovery.”
What Caused the Fire?
The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, but officials caution that results may take weeks. Early reports suggest the blaze may have started in the home’s basement workshop, where Stewart was known to tinker with vintage car parts and other mechanical projects.
Neighbors told reporters that power outages had occurred earlier that day due to a regional transformer failure, and Stewart’s estate had been running on generator power for several hours.
“There’s speculation that a faulty generator or an electrical short might be involved,” said Union County Fire Chief Matt Cosgrove. “But at this point, everything is preliminary. Our focus was on containment and getting everyone out safely.”
The fire consumed more than half of the home before it was brought under control at approximately 2:15 a.m. No other individuals were injured in the blaze, and Randolph, who rescued Stewart, was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.
A Private Man in a Public World
Though Stewart has enjoyed national fame and media attention throughout his racing career, he has always kept his personal life largely private. His secluded Union County estate was a retreat from the public eye, nestled in woodlands near Liberty, Indiana — far from the high-octane world of NASCAR circuits and media scrums.
Stewart’s wife, NHRA drag racer Leah Pruett, was not at home during the incident. According to family spokesperson Jennifer Gaines, Pruett had been competing in Las Vegas and flew back to Indianapolis early Thursday morning.
“She is by his side now and staying strong for him,” Gaines said. “Tony’s spirit is unbreakable. The family is incredibly grateful for the quick response of emergency teams and the love pouring in from fans.”
What’s Next for Stewart-Haas Racing?
The Stewart-Haas Racing team, currently deep into the 2025 Cup Series season, has not indicated whether Stewart’s injuries will impact operations. Sources close to the team suggest that day-to-day management will continue under executive vice president Greg Zipadelli and team president Joe Custer.
Still, the emotional impact on the team is palpable.
“This is not just about a boss. Tony is family,” said crew chief Rodney Childers. “Right now, we race for him. Every lap, every pit stop, it’s for Smoke.”
Stewart’s fans have launched a #StrongForSmoke campaign across social media, with thousands of well-wishers posting tributes and prayers. Eldora Speedway has already scheduled a benefit race in his honor, with proceeds going toward burn care charities.
A Long Road Ahead
Doctors anticipate that Stewart will remain hospitalized for several weeks and face an extended rehabilitation period.
“It’s going to be a long road,” said Dr. Liu. “Burn recovery is complex, both physically and emotionally. But Tony has an incredible support system, and he’s shown nothing but strength so far.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Stewart’s team shared a hopeful update late Thursday evening:
“He’s alert, cracking jokes, and already asking when he can get back in a car,” the statement read. “That’s vintage Tony.”
As the NASCAR world rallies around one of its greatest champions, one thing is certain: Tony Stewart has never backed down from a challenge — and he doesn’t plan to start now.
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