Dodge//SRT Extends Partnership With Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro

Dodge//SRT has reaffirmed its commitment to NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing by extending its successful partnership with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro for the 2024 season and beyond. This announcement comes at a pivotal moment as Tony Stewart, the legendary NASCAR Hall of Fame driver and owner, navigates changes in his motorsports endeavors, including the announcement of the sale of his NASCAR team with Gene Haas, Stewart-Haas Racing.

The collaboration between Dodge and TSR began in 2022 and has since seen significant achievements, including 15 NHRA national event victories and the 2023 NHRA Mission World Funny Car Championship captured by Matt Hagan in the Direct Connection Dodge//SRT HELLCAT. This year, Stewart himself has taken the driver’s seat of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel car, succeeding his wife Leah Pruett, who stepped away from racing to focus on family with Stewart.

Matt McAlear, CEO of the Dodge brand under Stellantis, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership extension, emphasizing Dodge’s commitment to performance and success in drag racing: “Dodge owns a historic legacy in NHRA competition, and racing icons like Tony Stewart, Matt Hagan, and Leah Pruett are perfect ambassadors for our brand and Direct Connection performance parts line. We look forward to continuing to support Tony, Matt, Leah, and the entire TSR organization as they compete at the highest level.”

Matt Hagan, who has been associated with Dodge for nearly 16 seasons, echoed McAlear’s sentiments, highlighting the longstanding partnership’s role in his successful career: “It’s really awesome to hear Dodge is extending their relationship with TSR. I’ve had such a long career with Dodge, winning four championships and 51 races. The support Dodge gives us allows us to be the best on the racetrack, and I’m honored to be a part of this championship team.”

Tony Stewart, known for his versatility across NASCAR, IndyCar, and now NHRA, shared his appreciation for Dodge’s continued support amid his new ventures in drag racing: “Having strong OEM support is crucial in motorsports. Dodge has been very supportive since the inception of TSR Nitro, and I’m excited about where we’re headed. We’ve faced challenges, especially with the transition on the dragster side, but Dodge has been instrumental from day one.”

Leah Pruett, who remains actively involved in the TSR organization despite stepping away from driving, emphasized the broader significance of the partnership extension: “This extension represents our dedication to on-track success for the Dodge brand and our team. It’s also a testament to how Direct Connection continues to connect with customers through our partnership. I’m thrilled to continue our journey with Dodge and Direct Connection.”

So far this year, TSR Nitro has competed in eight 2024 NHRA Mission events this year, with Hagan scoring two Funny Car wins and currently ranked fourth in the class points, while Stewart currently holds the ninth spot in the Top Fuel standings. Two more NHRA Mission events are scheduled in June: the NHRA Virginia Nationals on June 21-23 in Dinwiddie, Virginia, and the NHRA Summit Racing Nationals on June 28-30 in Norwalk, Ohio.