TSR Nitro Teams Are Ready For 2024 NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals

The NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, set for June 7-9, 2024, promise to be an electrifying weekend for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR). With two formidable entries in the competition, the TSR team is ready to showcase the power and precision of their Top Fuel Dragster and Funny Car.

Tony Stewart and His Top Fuel Dragster: A Rookie with Momentum –

Tony Stewart, a legendary figure in motorsports, is making his mark in NHRA’s Top Fuel category. The Thunder Valley Nationals will be his eighth career start in Top Fuel and his first at the Bristol track. Driving the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage (JHG) Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster, Stewart is eager to secure his first victory in this demanding class.

Stewart’s paint scheme for this race will feature the striking colors and branding of Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, an organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing automotive culture. “Jason (Johnson) is super cool to hang out with and he has turned into family here at TSR,” Stewart shared. “To get him on the Top Fuel car and represent him and his family is really special. I’m excited and hope we perform well for him.”

Currently ninth in the Top Fuel standings, Stewart feels optimistic about his team’s progress. “Following Epping, I feel really good about where our team is at,” he said. “You can never say you’re in the hunt after just one event, but we are definitely gaining on it and getting closer to where we need to be. I’m a happy driver and a happy owner.”

Matt Hagan: A Champion Aiming for More –

Matt Hagan, a seasoned Funny Car driver with 51 career wins, is no stranger to Bristol Dragway. This event marks his 340th career Funny Car start and his 15th at Bristol. Hagan, driving the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car, is in peak form, currently ranked third in the Funny Car standings.

Hagan’s car will also proudly display the JHG branding, continuing their mission to inspire and celebrate automotive culture. “Bristol is two hours from me, so you see all the people you grew up with and have supported you racing,” Hagan explained. “What makes it so great is that Bristol is a Bruton Smith track and his facilities are always great. It has beautiful scenery cut through the mountains. It’s loud and fast and just cool.”

Hagan’s record at Bristol includes a win in 2015 and a track speed record of 330.34 mph, set in October 2021. Despite these achievements, Hagan is still seeking his first No. 1 qualifier at this track. “Our team has been a well-oiled machine for a long time now,” Hagan noted. “I have one hundred percent confidence in my guys every time we roll up to the starting line.”

A Weekend of High-Stakes Racing –

The NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals mark the midpoint of the regular season, a crucial time for teams to solidify their standings before the Countdown to the Championship. Both Stewart and Hagan are prepared to push their limits and capitalize on the momentum they have built throughout the season.

The action kicks off on Friday, June 7, with Nitro qualifying sessions at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. EDT, streamed live on NHRA.TV. Saturday will feature additional qualifying rounds and the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT. The weekend culminates on Sunday, June 9, with Nitro Eliminations beginning at 12:00 p.m. EDT, also streamed live on NHRA.TV. Fans can catch TV coverage of the event on FS1, with highlights and finals airing on Sunday.

As TSR Nitro teams gear up for the intense competition, all eyes will be on Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan, representing the passion and dedication of Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage. With their expertise and determination, they are set to make a powerful impact at the Thunder Valley Nationals.