“I Just Start Laughing”: Tony Stewart’s Veteran Rookie Status in NHRA Hasn’t Tilted His Focus at All

Tony Stewart has never strayed away from a challenge in his racing career, be it competing in NASCAR, IndyCar, or USAC competition. Over the years, Stewart has proven his versatility as a race car driver, but little did he know that even at 52, he would be walking in his rookie season of his next auto racing adventure.

Taking over the seat of the 11,000 horsepower dragster from his wife, Leah Pruett, Stewart made his highly anticipated debut in the Top Fuel last weekend. However, his performance behind the wheel looked more like that of a veteran, as he put out a splendid performance in what was his first race of the season.

Tony Stewart still has a lot to learn in Top Fuel, despite his solid start at Gatornationals

Stewart made five passes during the season’s opening event, the Gatornationals. He did have struggles during his qualifying races, but as he entered the main event, his instincts kicked in. Recording the quickest reaction time during the elimination round, he sure proved his mettle as a competitive racer, even though he was defeated by Justin Ashley.

While it might sound unusual for a decorated driver like Tony Stewart to be called a rookie, he himself does not mind the rookie tag when racing in Top Fuel. “I just start laughing every time somebody says I’m a rookie here, and it’s true I am a rookie here. I had never thought at my age I would be a rookie again but I’ve learned to never say never in my life.” Stewart said.

Time is not a luxury the drivers can afford while competing in the Top Fuel races. With just a dash of 4 odd seconds to make your car stick, it is indeed a tough task for someone like Stewart to adjust to the style of drag racing. “I feel like I have a long way to go, things happen very quickly in a top-fuel car and I’m trying to get that experience to go through all scenarios that can and will happen at some point,” he went on to add.

Stewart has his fair share of experience competing in the Top Alcohol Class Drag Racing event from last year and believes that his experience will come in handy when competing in the Top Fuel events.

It was like going from a Busch car to a Cup car for Stewart

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It was indeed a positive learning experience for the 52-year-old driver competing in his first-ever Top Fuel event. Reflecting on his performance after the race, he said via Speedsport, “As a rookie in Top Fuel, I hope I gained the respect of the other competitors in the class. I feel I was consistent with my starting line procedures”. 

Trying to explain his switch from alcohol class to Top Fuel, he gave an example of racing days in NASCAR. “Going from an alcohol car to a Top Fuel car is similar to going from a Busch car to a Cup car. The cars are different, but the procedures are the same for me. I’m not leaving thinking I know everything about Top Fuel racing. I know it’s going to be a long learning process.”

After his decent start in the Top Fuel campaign, the veteran driver will be heading to Winternationals, California, for his second race of the season on March 24.

Read More: “Zero Shame”: Tony Stewart Unbothered by Narrow Loss in Top Fuel Debut After Outclassing NHRA’s Best