Tony Stewart’s NHRA Dream Receives Major Boost With Continued Backing From $12.37 Billion Former NASCAR Manufacturer

SHR fell, but Tony Stewart’s NHRA ambitions are safe. After all, he has the ongoing support of Dodge. The recent extension of their partnership, which began in 2022 with drivers Leah Pruett (Top Fuel) and Matt Hagan (Funny Car) driving Nitro cars in Direct Connection livery, has already seen Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) achieve remarkable success. This includes 15 NHRA national event wins and the 2023 NHRA Mission World Funny Car Championship.

Stewart, taking over his wife, Leah Pruett’s Top Fuel Dragster, has proved successful. Making his plans clearer, his shift in focus to the TSR Direct Connection Dodge/SRT Top Fuel car for the 2024 NHRA season clearly defines his future in racing. Now, with the steadfast backing of Dodge, an American brand of automobiles based in Auburn Hills, Michigan which has historically included performance cars, Top Fuel is all set to hit top gear in the NHRA Mission World Drag Racing Championship. Could this backing help the 53-year-old rookie leave his mark in NHRA drag racing?

TSR-Dodge partnership looks toward a positive future!

When was the last time Dodge had a standout performance? It was Matt Hagan in 2023 when he drove his TSR Direct Connection Dodge Funny Car to clinch the NHRA Mission World Championship after winning six national events. The Dodge/SRT TSR teams have notched up 15 NHRA national event wins, with Hagan securing 12 and Pruett 3 since they teamed up with TSR.

Clearly, since the team collaborated with Dodge, it has been instrumental in TSR’s triumphs. The 2023 season was particularly notable. “The support from Dodge has been incredible, and it’s reflected in our results on the track,” said Matt Hagan. With Stewart stepping into the Top Fuel seat, the team faces a new dynamic role.

Matt McAlear, Dodge Brand CEO, emphasized the importance of the partnership, as shared by NHRA. “The Dodge brand is excited to extend our partnership with an elite winning organization like Tony Stewart Racing.” Stewart, too, has been grateful. “Having strong OEM support is crucial in all forms of motorsports. To have Dodge re-sign with TSR is great…we are all excited about where the program has been up until this point and we are all excited about where it’s going. It’s been a big change on the dragster side with Leah (Pruett) driving in the past as far as the specs we had to change in the offseason.”

Tony Stewart further added, “It’s been more of a challenge for the crew chiefs but Dodge has been very supportive from the time we had the first discussion about creating TSR Nitro. I’m very appreciative of their support and looking forward to an awesome future with them.”

This news comes at a great time for Tony Stewart Racing and especially for Tony Stewart. If it weren’t for this sponsorship extension, the SHR co-owner would have had trouble focusing on drag racing. After all, a switch from the cockpit of a NASCAR to an 11000 HP Dodge isn’t something you can juggle other headaches with. But Stewart definitely has Matt Hagan to look up to, as he had succeeded in the arduous task of breaking the four-second barrier.

For the winningest driver in NASCAR, NHRA does pose several challenges. However, one must not forget that he is the winner for a reason.

Tony Stewart is getting better at drag racing… 

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In his very first race, he reached the semi-finals, showcasing his potential in the new discipline. Currently, he holds the ninth spot in the Top Fuel standings, a respectable position for a rookie. What a ride for someone entering a fourth racing discipline, drag racing, and now competing full-time at the highest level in the NHRA Top Fuel competition!

However, as a rookie in the Top Fuel category, Stewart has faced a steep learning curve. Despite his extensive experience in NASCAR, IndyCar, and USAC, drag racing presents a unique set of difficulties. But being married to a dragster competitor has its perks. Stewart managed to muster courage and made his NHRA debut in March at the Gator Nationals, while his wife decided to look after the family as well as the other side of racing.

Pruett had stepped down as she wanted to focus on family. It was a difficult decision for her to make. Still, she had made sure to be actively involved in TSR, offering strategic insights and support. As Stewart shared, “Leah has been a rock for our team, and her experience is invaluable as I navigate this new chapter in my racing career.”

Stewart’s drag-racing began in 2022. However, he suffered a loss in his debut in the Top Alcohol Dragster category. That didn’t discourage him because he returned for the 2023 full season and stood second in the NHRA national points.

Although Tony Stewart has exited NASCAR, his popularity remains intact. One could see long lines at the TSR pit area, waiting for Stewart’s autographs and photos. After showcasing a phenomenal performance in 2023, he continues to gain experience in his rookie season in the seat of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge/SRT dragster as the legendary racer seeks his first-ever Top Fuel win.