Tony Stewart Racing Prepares for NHRA Nationals in Vegas

As the excitement builds for the 2024 Ford Performance NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is preparing for a crucial race weekend. Scheduled for November 1-3, this highly anticipated event is pivotal as it marks the penultimate race in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ 20-race schedule and the fifth round in the six-race Countdown to the Championship. With both Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan in the mix, the stakes are high.

Tony Stewart, who drives the TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster, is entering this weekend ranked 10th in the Top Fuel standings. With 241 points separating him from championship leader Justin Ashley, Stewart is eager to capitalize on his experience at Las Vegas. He noted, “I’m looking forward to competing again at Las Vegas. It’s a place where I’ve had some success in the past, and I want to build on that. We’ve been making improvements, and every run is a chance to learn.”

This weekend will also be significant for Stewart, marking his 19th career Top Fuel start and his second at Las Vegas. He recalled, “Competing in the NHRA postseason is a new experience for me, and it’s exciting to see how far we can go. I want to make every round count.”

On the other side of the TSR team is Matt Hagan, driving the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car. Hagan is currently in third place in the Funny Car standings, 168 points behind leader Austin Prock. With a successful track record at the NHRA Nationals, including four wins, Hagan is ready to maintain momentum. He expressed, “Winning always boosts confidence, and our team is ready to put in the work. We have two more races to make an impact for Dodge, and I believe we can do that.”

Hagan’s confidence is bolstered by his recent victory at the NHRA Texas FallNationals, where he earned his 52nd career win. “Coming off a win is always a big morale booster for the team,” he said. “It sets a positive tone, and we’re going to build on that as we head to Vegas.”

Both drivers will have the opportunity to test their cars at the Las Vegas track following the NHRA Nevada Nationals, which Hagan believes will be invaluable. “Testing is always crucial, especially as we prepare for the season finale in Pomona,” he commented. “Even if the conditions aren’t the same, every run teaches us something new. It’s all about making adjustments and learning from each session.”

Stewart echoed this sentiment, adding, “It’s essential for us to get as much data as possible. Every time we hit the track, it’s a chance to fine-tune our setups and strategies. We need to be ready for anything as the season wraps up.”

Mopar’s Direct Connection brand serves as the primary partner for both drivers this weekend, providing high-performance parts and technical expertise. Hagan noted the significance of this support, stating, “Direct Connection is all about performance, and it’s great to have them behind us. It helps us focus on what we do best: racing.”

As the TSR team prepares for this crucial event, the focus is not just on individual performances but also on contributing to the team’s overall success. Hagan emphasized, “We’re all in this together. Every member of our team plays a part in our success, and we’re going to push each other to be the best.”

The Ford Performance NHRA Nationals will kick off with nitro qualifying sessions on Friday, November 1, and culminate in eliminations on Sunday, November 3. Fans can catch all the action live on NHRA.TV, with additional TV coverage on FS1.