TSR Nitro Teams Are Ready For 2024 NHRA Season Finale
Stewart & Hagan Chase Final Wins at Pomona...
As the 2024 NHRA season reaches its climax, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is preparing for an action-packed weekend at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona, California. Taking place November 15-17, the event is set to be the final and decisive race in the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. With TSR drivers Tony Stewart (Top Fuel) and Matt Hagan (Funny Car) both making the playoffs, the team is poised for a strong finish in this high-stakes finale.
A Look at TSR’s 2024 Season and Final Push –
Tony Stewart, in his debut year driving the Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel dragster, made an impressive entry into the NHRA playoffs and ranks ninth. Despite a few tough breaks throughout the season, Stewart’s enthusiasm and commitment are unwavering.
“It is mixed emotions,” Stewart shared about his rookie season. “It’s been really fun learning to drive a Top Fuel car. I’ve had a big advantage with Matt Hagan and my wife, Leah (Pruett), as coaches. Having these two around has shortened my learning curve drastically.”
Matt Hagan: Focused on Pomona –
Veteran Funny Car driver Matt Hagan has had another impressive season, entering Pomona fourth in the championship standings. Known for his intense focus, Hagan brings a winning legacy to the Finals, where he’s secured three career wins (2011, 2013, and 2014). While Austin Prock is expected to clinch the championship, Hagan’s eye remains strong on ending the season.
“I always come into Pomona very focused,” Hagan remarked. “You have to be there for the crew guys, and it’s a huge race. After a rough weekend in Vegas, I’m hoping we can pull the car out in Pomona, take a deep breath, and get a good baseline.”
Championship Context: Top Fuel and Funny Car Battles –
Stewart and Hagan will be part of a fierce field this weekend. Justin Ashley leads in Top Fuel, with Antron Brown and Shawn Langdon close behind, while Austin Prock dominates the Funny Car points race. This final event delivers points-and-a-half, amplifying the impact of every single pass down the strip.
Hagan, who shares the record for the most Countdown wins in the Funny Car division with 16, is always a strong Finals contender. Earlier this season at Pomona’s NHRA Winternationals, Hagan secured the No. 1 qualifier spot and advanced to the Finals before weather interrupted, adding even more anticipation for his return to the iconic track.
Tony Stewart’s Rookie Year in Top Fuel –
For Stewart, this year has been both a challenge and a revelation. With the possibility of earning NHRA Rookie of the Year, Stewart has his sights set high. “Winning that award would be a big honor,” Stewart said. “There are some great drivers in the NHRA, and I’ve had a really good time working with the series to promote and grow the sport.”
Stewart’s journey in Top Fuel has shown his adaptability and drive, despite facing challenges. This weekend in Pomona, he’s aiming to notch his first Top Fuel victory and leave a lasting impression in his rookie season.
How To Watch –
Here is the comprehensive broadcast and streaming schedule for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. All times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Date | Coverage Type | Network | Start Time (EST) |
---|---|---|---|
Friday, Nov. 15 | Nitro Qualifying Session (Q1) | NHRA.TV | 5:00 p.m. |
Nitro Qualifying Session (Q2) | NHRA.TV | 7:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Nov. 16 | Nitro Qualifying Session (Q3) | NHRA.TV | 3:30 p.m. |
Nitro Qualifying Session (Q4) | NHRA.TV | 6:00 p.m. | |
Sunday, Nov. 17 | Qualifying Recap Show | FS1 | 10:00 a.m. |
Nitro Eliminations – Round 1 | NHRA.TV | 2:00 p.m. | |
Nitro Eliminations – Round 2 | NHRA.TV | 4:00 p.m. | |
Nitro Eliminations – Semifinals | NHRA.TV | 5:30 p.m. | |
Nitro Eliminations – Finals | NHRA.TV | 7:00 p.m. | |
Finals Show | FS1 | 4:00 p.m. |
NHRA.TV will stream each qualifying and elimination round live, giving fans an all-access view of the action. FS1 will also broadcast a recap of Friday and Saturday’s qualifying on Sunday morning, followed by full coverage of the Finals later that day.