TSR Nitro Teams Eye Points Surge In St. Louis

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads into the 14th Annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals this weekend in St. Louis, and all eyes will be on Tony Stewart Racing (TSR). The team brings both of its heavy-hitters—Tony Stewart in Top Fuel and Matt Hagan in Funny Car—into Gateway Motorsports Park for a critical Countdown to the Championship round. With only four events left after this one, every qualifying session and every round win matters.

For Stewart, this marks just his 37th career Top Fuel start, but he’s already proven he belongs in the nitro ranks. Hagan, meanwhile, returns to a track that’s been both challenging and rewarding, with multiple wins and finals appearances under his belt. The momentum of recent strong showings fuels both drivers, and both will be backed by American Rebel Beer this weekend.

Tony Stewart: Still Building Momentum – 

Tony Stewart enters St. Louis sitting fourth in the Top Fuel standings, just 68 points behind veteran Doug Kalitta. Stewart already clinched the Top Fuel regular season championship back in Indianapolis, and history shows that No. 1 seeds often cash in big—five of the last eight regular-season champions went on to claim the world title.

But Stewart knows this weekend isn’t about past stats—it’s about getting that first win light in St. Louis. His wife, Leah Pruett, nearly pulled it off here in 2023, advancing all the way to the finals before falling short to Clay Millican. Stewart, on the other hand, lost in the first round last year despite a solid run. This time, he’s looking to flip the script.

“We always have a fun weekend when Andy Ross from American Rebel is with us,” Stewart said this week. “He’s an awesome cheerleader that cares about our teams as much as we do. To have him and the large amount of guests he’s bringing, we’re proud of that. We’re having three grueling weeks in a row. I like it because that’s what I’m used to in NASCAR, so you just grind it out. We’ll get through St. Louis, then it gives both the Top Fuel and Funny Car teams time to regroup to get ready for the last three races. You’re never out until they say you’re mathematically out of it. We’re still in a decent spot right now, but we have our work to do.”

That NASCAR-style grind is what Stewart has leaned on all season. His learning curve has been steep, but the results are coming faster with each outing. St. Louis gives him a chance to add another milestone—a first Countdown event win in Top Fuel.

Matt Hagan: A Familiar Battleground – 

Matt Hagan knows what it takes to win in St. Louis. He’s a four-time Funny Car world champion, with victories at Gateway in 2021 and 2023. Hagan has also been to the finals here six times, including runner-up efforts in 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2020. After struggling early in his Midwest Nationals career, he’s been one of the track’s most consistent forces in recent years.

Coming into the weekend, Hagan sits second in points, 79 markers behind Austin Prock. That deficit is well within striking distance, especially considering Hagan’s track record in pressure-packed Countdown scenarios. His most recent outing in Charlotte saw him snag the No. 1 qualifier and a runner-up finish, proving the Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car still has the firepower.

“We are now second in points and within striking distance,” Hagan said. “(Austin) Prock and his JFR team is very tough. The kid cuts a good light, and they run really strong. We need to keep doing what we do and not worry about anyone else. If we run the racetrack as hard as we can, and we look at what is in front of us, I know we can win. That has always been my thinking that we just go race the track in front of us. I’m just proud of our TSR crew guys since they have worked so hard in recent weeks. We have been through some tough explosions the last few weeks, but I know we are ready to put that American Rebel Beer Dodge HELLCAT back in the winner’s circle at St. Louis next weekend.”

With 369 Funny Car starts to his name, Hagan knows there’s no substitute for experience. That mix of veteran savvy and raw horsepower could be the difference-maker against Prock, Ron Capps, and the rest of the stacked Funny Car field.

American Rebel Beer: Fueling Both Entries – 

For the second straight race, both TSR entries will proudly showcase American Rebel Beer on their machines. Founded in 2024 by Andy Ross, American Rebel Beer has quickly expanded to distribution in 15 states, with further growth on the horizon. Known for its all-natural, bold flavor without the additives common in mass-market brews, the brand has positioned itself as “America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.”

Ross himself will be on-site in St. Louis with a large group of guests, something both Stewart and Hagan say gives the team an extra boost of motivation.

Countdown Pressure Builds – 

The Midwest Nationals represent the third of six Countdown races, and the pressure is mounting. After St. Louis, only Dallas, Las Vegas, and Pomona remain. For both Stewart and Hagan, Gateway could play a pivotal role in their championship bids.

Stewart is trying to become just the 28th different Top Fuel driver to win a Countdown event, while Hagan is hunting his fifth Funny Car title. Every point matters, especially with both categories stacked with champions and rising stars.

TV and Streaming Schedule – 

Fans can follow along all weekend through NHRA.TV and FS1 coverage.

NHRA.TV (all times CDT/EDT)

• Friday, Sept. 26: Nitro qualifying Q1 at 6 p.m. CDT/7 p.m. EDT; Q2 at 8 p.m. CDT/9 p.m. EDT

• Saturday, Sept. 27: Nitro qualifying Q3 at 12:15 p.m. CDT/1:15 p.m. EDT; Q4 at 3 p.m. CDT/4 p.m. EDT

• Sunday, Sept. 28: Nitro eliminations begin at 11 a.m. CDT/12 p.m. EDT; Round 2 at 1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EDT; Semifinals at 2:40 p.m. CDT/3:40 p.m. EDT; Finals at 4:15 p.m. CDT/5:15 p.m. EDT

FS1 TV Coverage

• Sunday, Sept. 28: Qualifying recap at 1:30 p.m. EDT

• Sunday, Sept. 28: Finals broadcast at 3 p.m. EDT