Tony Stewart Earns First NHRA Top Fuel Victory

Tony Stewart’s motorsports legacy took another historic leap forward this weekend as he captured his first NHRA Top Fuel victory at the 25th anniversary NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Meanwhile, teammate Matt Hagan wheeled his TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car to yet another final-round appearance, marking the second time Stewart and Hagan reached the finals together at this event.

Tony Stewart | Rayce Rudeen Foundation Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster –

After a season of near-misses and team adjustments, Stewart’s perseverance paid off in Las Vegas. His final round run of 3.870 seconds at 317.42 mph defeated an all-star quad of Antron Brown, Justin Ashley, and Jasmine Salinas, securing his first career NHRA Top Fuel win in just his 24th start. Stewart also:

• Advanced from the No. 5 qualifying position

• Won all three elimination rounds on Sunday

• Had two holeshot wins in the first two elimination rounds

• Set the second-quickest time in Q2 and earned two bonus points

“I haven’t been around the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series very long, but I realized it takes a lot to win one of these Top Fuel races,” Stewart said. “To win here two years after my first NHRA national event in Top Alcohol Dragster is pretty damn cool. I think we made racing history today.”

In fact, Stewart may be the first driver in motorsports history to claim major victories in NASCAR Cup, IndyCar, USAC (Triple Crown), and NHRA Pro (Top Fuel). His win in Vegas also marks triumphs at every major track on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway property, including the oval, drag strip, dirt track, and Bullring.

Following the victory, Stewart climbed to second place in the Top Fuel standings, just 16 points behind leader Shawn Langdon.

Matt Hagan | TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car – 

Hagan started the weekend in 12th qualifying position and steadily battled through the ladder, showing tenacity and sharp reaction times. He advanced to the Funny Car final for the 92nd time in his career, defeating names like Bobby Bode, Jack Beckman, and Daniel Wilkerson.

In the final, Hagan’s run of 7.965 seconds at 87.66 mph fell short due to traction issues. Austin Prock won, with Paul Lee and Dave Richards finishing second and third, respectively. Despite the final-round loss, Hagan sits fourth in the championship standings, just 44 points behind leader Paul Lee.

Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge & Notable Moments – 

Both Stewart and Hagan participated in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, with Stewart defeating key rivals in Q3 and advancing to the finals. Although they each finished fourth in the Challenge Finals, both had the quickest reaction times in their respective quads, showcasing their starting-line prowess.

Thanks to their performances, both Stewart and Hagan requalified for the next #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at the upcoming American Rebel Light NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte.

Stewart’s Emotional Victory – 

Stewart’s Las Vegas win was extra emotional. His crew, led by Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala, adapted the car to Stewart’s different body weight and driving needs—challenges the team tackled after his wife, Leah Pruett, nearly captured the 2023 Top Fuel championship.

“When Leah brought Dom (our newborn son) on stage in victory lane, my heart stopped,” Stewart shared. “That is a feeling I have never had in my life before.”

He credited the chaotic nature of four-wide racing for playing to his strength as a multi-car format veteran: “The Four-Wide setup is the equalizer for me… I love the format.”

Stewart’s Top Fuel win also spotlighted the Rayce Rudeen Foundation, a nonprofit named in memory of Rayce Rudeen that combats addiction and provides recovery support services. The foundation’s mission aligns closely with Stewart’s personal values and makes each race outing about more than just performance.

Looking Ahead – 

Both drivers will head to Charlotte for the next round of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, which is carrying serious momentum. With Stewart now chasing a Top Fuel championship and Hagan within striking distance in Funny Car, TSR is making noise in both nitro categories.

Stay tuned as Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan take on zMAX Dragway for the American Rebel Light NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, April 26–28.