TSR Nitro Duo Preps for Seattle Showdown

Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is bringing the heat to Kent, Washington, as the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off the Western Swing with the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways, July 18-20. Both TSR Dodge Direct Connection teams—Top Fuel’s Tony Stewart and Funny Car’s Matt Hagan—are locked in and focused on making a strong statement as the second half of the season gets underway.

Stewart Eyes Redemption and Consistency – 

Tony Stewart enters the Seattle event holding the Top Fuel points lead by 52 points over Shawn Langdon. Despite recent setbacks at Norwalk and Virginia, Stewart is focused on staying the course.

“We were able to salvage decent results during those two races,” Stewart said. “But we had major struggles that went along with it, especially those three explosions at Norwalk.”

Seattle marks Stewart’s second-ever appearance at Pacific Raceways in a Top Fuel dragster. Last year, the track got the better of him in Round 1, but this time, the team feels more prepared.

“I feel like we’re in a way better spot going into Seattle than where we were a year ago,” Stewart added. “We just have to stay the course right now.”

One big highlight for Stewart this season has been his incredible consistency—he’s the only Top Fuel driver to advance past Round 1 in all ten races so far. He’s also made it to eight straight Semifinals.

“Being able to get through the first round of every event is something that we take a lot of pride in,” Stewart said. “It’s a testament to where our program is at right now. We’re back at full strength and ready to rip.”

Hagan Builds Momentum After Norwalk Finals – 

In Funny Car, Matt Hagan—the four-time champ and 52-time national event winner—is coming off a runner-up finish at Norwalk. That result gave the team a huge boost of confidence heading into Seattle, where Hagan has both a win (2013) and a No. 1 qualifier (2018) under his belt.

“It was a big shot in the arm to go to the Finals,” Hagan said. “We had some first-round losses lately, but we were also trying out some R&D things. Once we went back to what worked earlier this season, the win lights started turning on.”

Hagan enters Seattle fifth in the Funny Car points standings, 222 points back from leader Austin Prock. With a new crew chief lineup led by Mike Knudsen, the team has been refining its approach all season.

“There are some growing pains with new leadership, but I’m super proud of our guys,” Hagan said. “Wins are right around the corner, and I feel like we can get it done in the next couple races.”

More Than Just Racing – 

This weekend is packed with action both on and off the track, including four qualifying sessions, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, and an autograph session Saturday morning with both Stewart and Hagan at the Mission Foods tent.

Both TSR drivers qualified for the Challenge thanks to semifinal finishes at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals. Hagan will race Cruz Pedregon, while Stewart faces Clay Millican in a rematch.

With the Countdown to the Championship just four races away, every point matters—and both drivers know it.

“We have a lot of momentum going,” said Hagan. “As long as I do my job on the tree, things will keep going the way they need to.”

TV Schedule: Where to Watch the Action – 

Can’t make it to Pacific Raceways? No worries—FS1 and FOX have you covered with full event coverage from Seattle. Whether you’re tuning in for qualifying or the big show on Sunday, here’s when to catch the TSR Nitro teams on screen:

• Saturday, July 19 – Qualifying Show
  10:00 p.m. PDT / 1:00 a.m. EDT (FS1)

• Sunday, July 20 – Qualifying Recap
  2:30 p.m. PDT / 5:30 p.m. EDT (FS1)

• Sunday, July 20 – Finals Show
  4:30 p.m. PDT / 7:30 p.m. EDT (FOX)

For die-hard fans, every qualifying session and round of eliminations will also be streamed live on NHRA.TV all weekend long. So whether you’re watching from the pits or your couch, you won’t miss a second of the nitro-fueled action.