Tony Stewart Divulges Why He Left NASCAR While Announcing $1.3 Million Drag Racing Endeavour

Tony Stewart’s journey from NASCAR to the world of drag racing exemplifies his unyielding passion for motorsports and his commitment to elevating the sport he loves. Tony Stewart, an icon of NASCAR, surprised the racing world when he decided to step away from the sport he excelled in to become a drag racer. Now, the racing legend opens up about his passion for elevating drag racing.

In a recent press conference, FloRacing announced what will be one of the biggest drag racing events to date with a purse of $1.3 million. It will take place in February 2024 and it is set to be a grand event not just from the racing perspective. But it will be a grand event for the fans of drag racing as well.

Tony Stewart’s Passion for Elevating Drag Racing

For the SHR owner, the decision to leave NASCAR was driven by his desire to be a part of something truly special. In the world of drag racing, he found a community of passionate individuals dedicated to elevating the sport to unprecedented heights. Tony is thrilled to work alongside racing legends like Alan Johnson and Chad Head. During the conference, Stewart was asked about his decision to jump into the world of drag racing. “Tony, you really jumped into drag racing with two feet here in the recent years. Was this event something that you ever had in mind or how did this all come to be for you?”

“I never even thought I was going to be on the pro board,” said Stewart. “So getting that invitation was a huge shock for me. But it’s been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of NHRA and drag racing at this point. To be working with Alan Johnson and Chad Head and the entire board. And it really shows how much everybody cares about the sport.”

“It’s not just about individual agendas. It’s truly about everybody wanting to lock arms together and elevate this sport to a level it’s never been to before.” he continued. “So this event is a perfect example of what this board is all about and what their intentions are and how they’re trying to raise and elevate not only the awareness but the excitement level of drag racing.”

And this isn’t the first time that Tony has spoken so passionately about drag racing. When he was entering the NHRA, he said to NBC Sport, “I’m here; it’s where my heart is.”

READ MORE: Tony Stewart Discloses Cars He’s Scared to Race After Breaking Back 4 Times

‘Pro Superstar Shootout’ will be the biggest event in the history of drag racing

Trending

Despite 2023 Disaster, Chase Elliott Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Choosing Alex Bowman’s HMS Banned Tactic

“To the Death”: Kyle Busch Offers Martin Truex Jr. a Rare Alliance to Survive ‘Hunger Games of NASCAR’

Kurt Busch Finally Breaking Radio Silence After Criminal Charges Forced 3-Month-Long Hiatus Has NASCAR Fans Breathing Easy

NASCAR Rumor: Handed $25,000 Fine, Xfinity Star Could Replace Chevy’s Rejected Prodigy

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Sister Recalls the Sacrifice Forced on Them by Tony Stewarts’ Stranded Mentee Before Their Big Moment

The main agenda of FloRacing’s press conference was to announce a major drag racing event. The “Inaugural Pro Superstar shootout.” Scheduled for February 8th to 10th, 2024, at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida, this event promises to be the highest-stakes professional drag race in history.

The Pro Superstar shootout introduces a unique format with a 12-13 car invite-only field. It will feature a $250,000 reward to win shootouts for Top Fuel and Funny Car. And a $ 125,000 reward to win the shootout for Pro Stock. Renowned personalities like Tony Stewart, Richard Freeman, Steve Torrence, Erica Enders, etc., will be looking after the event, and help in making it an event of epic proportions.

Speaking of the significance of the event, Tony Stewart said this. “The bigger thing is really the prestige of being the one that wins the biggest drag race in history. So for all these teams and drivers that are going to Bradenton to compete. This is a huge huge event for them… We’ve talked about the racing, this is going to be six days of a huge event. There’s going to be bands. There’s going to be excitement. And there’s going to be lots of things for the fans to do other than just watch race cars go up and down the strip.”

The Inaugural Pro Superstar shootout promises to be a groundbreaking event for the world of drag racing. So, if you’re excited about this grand event, let us know in the comments.

WATCH THIS STORY | Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Insider Feels Disappointed About $110 Billion Sponsor Leaving Tony Stewart for Ross Chastain