Tony Stewart Racing Prepares for 2025 NHRA Season with Key Changes

The 2025 NHRA Silly Season is in full swing, and Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is making headlines with pivotal changes to its championship-winning team. With a history of success since its debut in 2022, TSR is gearing up for another promising year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Tony Stewart Returns to Top Fuel – 

After earning NHRA Rookie of the Year honors, Tony Stewart is confirmed to return to pilot the Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster. The racing icon and team owner, who made waves in his debut season, is poised to continue his journey on the drag strip. Meanwhile, Leah Pruett, Stewart’s wife, will remain sidelined following the birth of their first child, Dominic, in November.

Leadership Shakeup in Funny Car – 

In a significant development, TSR has announced the promotion of veteran tuner Mike Knudsen to crew chief for four-time NHRA Funny Car Champion Matt Hagan’s Funny Car. Knudsen has been instrumental in Hagan’s success, having been part of his team since 2013. Together, the duo has secured three championships, including TSR’s first Funny Car title in 2023.

“I’m really excited to take the next step in my career,” said Knudsen. “Thanks to Dickie’s (Venables) mentorship, I feel very prepared to step into the crew chief role. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. Tony (Stewart) is the best owner in the NHRA, and we have a championship-winning team with Matt, a four-time championship-winning driver.”

Phil Shuler, who brings extensive NHRA experience to the team, will join Knudsen as co-crew chief. Shuler has previously worked with top names like Tony Schumacher and Jack Beckman and has a long history of success at Don Schumacher Racing (DSR).

“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to work with Tony Stewart Racing,” said Shuler. “Mike and I have worked together before, and I know his leadership will take this team to new heights. We’ll work hard to have the best Funny Car in the NHRA in 2025.”

A Championship Legacy – 

Since its inception, TSR has achieved 16 NHRA wins, with 13 of those coming from Hagan’s Funny Car. Hagan also secured his fourth career championship under TSR in 2023. As the team transitions to new leadership, Stewart expressed gratitude to outgoing crew chief Dickie Venables for his contributions.

“First, I’d like to thank Dickie for all of his contributions at TSR,” said Stewart. “Many may question the change, but as a team owner, you’re often faced with tough decisions. Promoting Mike Knudsen is ultimately what’s best for this team. I’m very proud of him, and I’m excited to see what he and Phil can accomplish together.”

Looking Ahead to 2025 – 

The TSR team will make its 2025 debut at the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, from March 6-9. With new leadership in Funny Car and Stewart’s return to Top Fuel, fans are eager to see what the season holds for this dynamic team.