'Just want peace': Robert Shwartzman, IndyCar's first driver from Israel, seeks 'good, calm' world
If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Pricing and availability subject to change.
INDIANAPOLIS — As improbable of a run as IndyCar rookie Robert Shwartzman had during his first Indianapolis 500 qualifying, having to pinch himself when what he dreamed of earlier in the week became reality in taking the pole, it gave him an opportunity.
The first series driver from Israel was alone on the dais in the media center at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, called on again to dream. This time, it was about an IndyCar race in his native country, however different than the Formula 1 he grew up on and once attended at Monaco on a yacht, where those dreams seemed more real.
Advertisement
Of course, Shwartzman said, it would be "amazing" and "a dream." Perhaps he could ask Pato O'Ward, who qualified third for the Indy 500, of the anticipation of a not-yet-announced race in his native country of Mexico. But the reporter also called Shwartzman an ambassador who could bring positive headlines to Israel with its ongoing war with Gaza.
"Yeah, representing Israel I just want to believe that all the people realize that what is going on generally," Shwartzman said. "Let's say, I'm not supporting it. I just want peace in the world. I want people to be good, and I don't want the separation of countries saying this is a bad country, this is a good country. There is no bad or good. We're all human beings. We just have to support each other and respect each other.
"We need also to find ways to, let's say, negotiate things, find ways to agree on things because from my experience, there is always a gold medal, I'm calling it. There's always the right path.
"Yeah, I really hope that at the end of the day everything is going to be good in the world, it's going to be all calm. From my side I try to just represent my country and do my best, let people know that I'm here, and that I'm giving it my all. I'm not giving up with whatever I have in my career, in my past. I'm not giving up, and I won't give up. So I keep pushing, so people just have that belief, keep going forward, and yeah, just look forward. Never look back."
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar's Robert Shwartzman on Israel, Gaza war: Wants peace, respect
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Pick 6 Carryover Of $30K On Friday At Aqueduct
Pick 6 Carryover Of $30K On Friday At Aqueduct originally appeared on Paulick Report. Friday's card at Belmont at the Big A will be bolstered by a Pick 6 carryover of $30,568 after the multi-race wager went unsolved on Thursday's eight-race program. The $1 Pick 6 at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, N.Y. returned $299.50 to bettors who selected 5-of-6 winners correctly. Thursday's Pick 6 sequence kicked off in Race 3 with Rodeo Star [No. 1, $17.80] upsetting a one-turn mile claiming race with Luis Rivera, Jr. aboard for trainer Robert Johnston. Advertisement Trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. sent out the next winner with the Irad Ortiz, Jr.-piloted Eric From Miami [No. 1, $4.90*], who captured a 1 1/8-mile claimer, in Race 4. One race later, the New York-bred Spoken Bluntly [No. 9, $11.60] won a six-furlong starter optional claiming race against open company on the outer turf with Kendrick Carmouche in the irons for trainer Bruce Levine, in Race 5. In Race 6, a seven-furlong starter allowance race, the Steven Schauer-conditioned Street View [No. 2, $5.60*] scored under Manny Franco. In Race 7, a 1 1/16-mile state-bred allowance on the inner turf, Trail of Gold [No. 7, $10] prevailed in a photo finish for Irad Ortiz, Jr. and trainer David Donk. With 2-of-6 horses covered in the Race 8 finale, the James Ryerson-trained and Hall of Famer Javier Castellano-piloted Quiet Confidence [No. 12, $8.60] came out on top in the six-furlong starter optional claimer on the outer turf. Friday's Pick 6 will begin in Race 4 at approximately 2:35 p.m. Eastern. First post for the nine-race card is 1:10 p.m. America's Day at the Races will present live coverage and analysis of the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet on the networks of FOX Sports. For the broadcast schedule and channel finder, visit This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ranking Ross Chastain's Coca-Cola 600 Comeback in NASCAR History
Ross Chastain made history this weekend at the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, and not just by winning. The Trackhouse Racing driver did something no one has ever done in the sport's longest race: he started 40th and won. That's last to first, and never done at Charlotte. So, where does Chastain's crazy ride rank among the all-time greatest comebacks at this Crown Jewel Race in NASCAR's history? Let's take a look. 7. Tony Stewart — 2001 Coca-Cola 600 (Started 43rd, Finished 3rd) Syndication: Daytona Beach News-Journal Tony Stewart didn't win the 600 in 2001, but what he did that day is legendary. He ran the Indy 500 earlier in the day, finished 6th, by the way, then hopped on a plane, landed in Charlotte, and started dead last in the Coca-Cola 600. From 43rd all the way to 3rd. That's over 1,100 miles of racing in one day, and he didn't just survive it; he dominated. No other driver in history has ever done that. 6. Matt Kenseth — 2000 Coca-Cola 600 (Started 21st) USA TODAY Sports This was Kenseth's first Cup Series win, and it was a big one. Back then, starting 21st and winning the 600 was a benchmark. He stayed clean in a crazy race and timed his charge just right. Not flashy, but tough and technical — classic Kenseth. Advertisement Also Read:: 4 Reasons Kevin Harvick Advocates for Canceling the All-Star Race 4. Austin Dillon — 2017 Coca-Cola 600 (Started 22nd) Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Austin Dillon's win was all about fuel strategy. Started 22nd, he stretched his final tank to perfection and brought the iconic #3 car back to Victory Lane for the first time since Dale Earnhardt. For pure drama and legacy, this one gets a spot , even if it wasn't the most dominant run. 3. Kevin Harvick — 2011 Coca-Cola 600 (Started 28th) Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images This race was crazy . Wrecks, cautions and an ending that came down to a green-white-checkered. Kevin Harvick kept his cool, stayed in it all night and stole the win when Dale Jr. ran out of fuel on the last lap. Not the cleanest comeback, but a classic Harvick closer. 2. Jimmie Johnson — 2003 Coca-Cola 600 (Started 37th) Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images Before Chastain, Jimmie Johnson held the record for deepest starting spot at the Coca-Cola 600. Started 37th, he was a masterclass in patience and consistency, leading 34 laps and winning his first big one. It solidified his rep as a guy who could win from anywhere — and as we'd all find out later, he definitely could. 1. Ross Chastain — 2025 Coca-Cola 600 (Started 40th) Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images This one's in a league of its own. No one had ever won the Coca-Cola 600 from the back of the pack until Ross Chastain did it. Started 40th, he worked his way through the field methodically, caught fire in the final stage and passed William Byron with 5 to go. The win didn't just break a record — it set a new one, for the 600 and for Charlotte Motor Speedway overall. Clean, aggressive, smart driving. Chastain's comeback wasn't just good, it redefined what's possible at NASCAR's longest and most brutal race. Also Read:: WATCH: Kyle Larson crashes out twice in one day after $3 million double attempt
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
5 Drivers Who Attempted the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 in One Day
Running the Indy 500 or the Coca-Cola 600 is already a challenge on its own. But running both on the same day, that's a whole different animal. What's known as 'The Double Duty' asks drivers to tackle 1,100 miles of racing, two different cars, and a tight travel window all in one day. Advertisement Only a handful have tried it for the thrill, the history, and the bragging rights that come with one of the toughest challenges in racing. Here are the five who did: 5. Kyle Larson (2024, 2025) Syndication: The Indianapolis Star Kyle Larson tried the 'Double' in 2024 and 2025, but it didn't go his way. In 2024, the Indy 500 was delayed so late he couldn't even make it to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, which was shortened anyway. He tried again in 2025, started 21st at Indy, spun on Lap 91 after a downshift, and was out of the race. He hustled to Charlotte, started 2nd and even led some laps, but his night ended early again with a crash on Lap 246, 37th place. Advertisement Even with all the misfortune, Larson's back-to-back attempts show just how tough and wild this is. Also Read: How to Stream NASCAR Races in 2025 4. Kurt Busch (2014) Credit: Mike DiNovo-Imagn Images Kurt Busch gave the 'Double' a shot in 2014, and it was a pretty good debut. He ran a clean race at the Indy 500, 6th, and was Rookie of the Year. Things didn't go as well later that night in Charlotte . He made it 271 laps into the Coca-Cola 600 before his engine blew, leaving him with a 40th-place finish. Not bad for a first timer trying one of racing's toughest challenges. 3. Tony Stewart (1999, 2001) Syndication: Daytona Beach News-Journal Tony Stewart did the 'Double' better than anyone has ever done in 2001, becoming the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles in one day . Earning 6th at the Indy 500 and 3rd in the Coca-Cola 600. Advertisement He first tried it in 1999 and came close, 9th at Indy after falling a few laps short, then 4th later that night in Charlotte. Even though he didn't go the full distance that first time, both efforts showed just how good he was. 2. Robby Gordon (1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004) Credit: Jennifer Stewart-Imagn Images Robby Gordon tried 'The Double' more times than anyone else, five times between 1997 and 2004. His best run was in 2002 when he finished 8th at the Indy 500 , despite a pit fire , and 16th at the Coca-Cola 600. He made it to the end in Charlotte but was a lap down, just short of the full 1,100 miles. Only Tony Stewart has completed every lap of both races on the same day. Advertisement Still, Gordon's efforts, despite weather delays, mechanical problems, and even needing backup drivers at times, showed how bad he wanted to pull off one of racing's toughest feats. Also Read: NASCAR schedule 2025 – The full schedule for Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series 1. John Andretti – 1994 Syndication: Indianapolis, coca-cola 600 John Andretti started the whole 'Double Duty' thing back in 1994 when he became the first driver to run both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. He had a good run at Indy, finishing 10th for A.J. Foyt Enterprises after running as high as 3rd. Then he hopped on a plane to Charlotte and jumped into the NASCAR race right after introductions , though he may have missed the drivers' meeting, which probably put him at the back of the pack. Advertisement His night didn't last long, though; a broken crankshaft ended his night after 220 laps, and he finished 36th. But Andretti set the standard for one of the toughest feats in racing. Related Headlines
