TSR Duo Eyes Victory at American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals

This weekend, the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro teams roll into Virginia Motorsports Park with one goal in mind—to win big and keep the momentum rolling. With the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals set for June 21-22, fans can expect high horsepower and red, white, and blue pride as both Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan pilot their American Rebel Beer-backed machines in the heart of the summer NHRA stretch.

Stewart, who leads the Top Fuel points standings heading into the ninth round of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, is laser-focused on grabbing his first No. 1 qualifier at this event and possibly clinching the Regular Season title.

“I definitely think we have a shot at it right now,” Stewart said. “This is the hot part of the summer and this is where I felt all along this year that our car has been at its best. When the tracks get hot, they get greasy and hard to get a hold of. I feel like our program really suits this time of the year.”

With three qualifying sessions packed into one action-filled Saturday, Stewart believes fans are in for a treat. “It gives the fans the opportunity to know that they’re going to see all the top teams make three solid runs. It’s a great opportunity to see a lot of racing action in one day.”

Meanwhile, Matt Hagan brings his 11,000+ horsepower Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car to his home track in Richmond, looking to move up from fifth in the standings. For Hagan, who grew up just 190 miles west in Christiansburg, Virginia, this race is more than just another stop on the tour—it’s personal.

“Having three runs in one day is great,” Hagan said. “I love the idea of a morning, midday, and evening run. My crew is coming into town early to fish and enjoy some team bonding. If we can focus on a really good qualifying position, it could hopefully change our Sunday around by being able to qualify in the top half of the field.”

Both drivers will proudly wear American Rebel Beer colors, the second NHRA race this season that the brand is sponsoring. Hagan, now a four-time Funny Car champ, is proud to represent the patriotic brew that’s quickly gaining traction across the country.

“I’m excited about having American Rebel on the car and also have them as a sponsor of the event,” Hagan said. “Andy Ross (American Rebel CEO) is growing the brand, and we’re excited to help him do that. Drag racing opens the door to a lot of things, and we’re excited to be part of that.”

Fans will also get the chance to meet Stewart at the Mission #2Fast2Tasty autograph session on Saturday morning and catch free concerts by Andy Ross on both Saturday and Sunday across from the TSR pit in the Midway.

It’s shaping up to be a full-throttle, fan-focused weekend loaded with nitro, horsepower, and hometown pride. Buckle up—Richmond is about to roar.

TV Schedule – 

Sunday, June 22 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)

• Round 1: 12 p.m. EDT
• Round 2: 2 p.m. EDT
• Semi-Finals: 3:35 p.m. EDT
• Finals: 5 p.m. EDT
• Sunday, June 22: Qualifying show, recapping all of Friday & Saturday’s action – 2 p.m. EDT on FS1
• Sunday, June 22: Finals show – 4 p.m. EDT on FOX