Tony Stewart to sponsor third SPM Indy 500 entry

It might not be behind the wheel, but Tony Stewart is coming back to the Brickyard. The Tony Stewart Foundation will sponsor the No. 77 Schmidt Peterson Motorsport entry in the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500, as part of the creation of the TEAM ONE CURE initiative to benefit the Colorado State University Flint Animal Cancer Center.

"We learned that with the One Cure program, cancer treatment breakthroughs are happening through collaboration between scientists and doctors working with both people and pets," Stewart said. "It perfectly fits with my foundation's missions to help children and animals. Sam Schmidt represents the very best in an injured racer overcoming adversity, plus we share the passion to win at IMS."

The One Cure program will focus on awareness, enthusiasm and understanding of the FACC and their partners in comparative oncology. The Indy 500 will mark one of several initiatives to find potential cures for cancer – in which animals could provide the answer, those involved say .

"Partnering with The Tony Stewart Foundation for Team One Cure provides a strong start to helping many people understand that cancer occurs in pets in a similar rate to humans, and that it occurs naturally," said FACC director Dr. Rodney Page. "Cancer is cancer, so what is learned in pets being treated for cancer holds promise to also benefit people, and vice versa. This approach is known as comparative or translational oncology, and it is the core of the One Cure concept. We hope through this new partnership to help educate more people about comparative oncology and improve the lives of all cancer patients, whether they have two or four legs."

"Very pleased to be participating in the 101st Running of the Indy 500 with such a fantastic program as Team One Cure," noted Sam Schmidt, co-owner of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. "Tony is the most generous guy I know in motorsports, and his charitable efforts on behalf of children and animals in need is unbelievable, so this is a perfect fit. With the team at Colorado State University making such huge strides in cancer research, this will truly be a cause we can get behind. That, combined with both of our extreme desires to win this race, should make for a really competitive entry."

The driver for the Team One Cure No. 77 entry will be announced at a later date.