TSR Nitro Teams Gear Up For 2023 NHRA Midwest Nationals

The NHRA Midwest Nationals near St. Louis is set to be a pivotal event on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ 21-race schedule, and Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is revving up for the action with their Nitro teams led by star drivers Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan. The event, from September 29 to October 1, marks the third round in the six-race Countdown to the Championship, and Pruett and Hagan are poised to make their mark on the competition.

Leah Pruett, driver of the Code 3 Associates Top Fuel dragster, has been making waves in the Countdown events. She recently advanced to the semifinals in the last two Countdown races, showcasing the prowess of her team and their responsive race car. Pruett’s team is riding a wave of momentum and is eager to translate it into strong qualifying performances to secure those vital points.

On the Funny Car side of the TSR Nitro teams, Matt Hagan is ready to unleash the power of his American Rebel Dodge Charger SRT HELLCAT Funny Car. Hagan’s career has been nothing short of spectacular, and he recently reached an incredible milestone with over 500 career-round wins. This achievement speaks volumes about his skill, consistency, and team strength.

Hagan is not just a dominant force on the track; he’s also a strong advocate for the companies he represents. American Rebel, known for its top-of-the-line residential safes, is a company on the rise. Hagan is proud to wear their colors and promote their products. He’s even set to make a Menards store appearance to strengthen the partnership between American Rebel, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), and Menards.

American Rebel CEO Andy Ross is more than just a business partner to Hagan; he shares his values and passion for America. Ross, a musician, is working on a jingle for Hagan, further cementing their partnership on and off the racetrack.

Both Pruett and Hagan, are looking to move upward in the points standings as the countdown to the end of season draws near. Both drivers current sit fourth in points in their classes going into St. Louis.

Friday, Sept. 29 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
• Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 7 p.m. CDT/8 p.m. EDT

Saturday, Sept. 30 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
• Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 2:30 p.m. CDT/3:30 p.m. EDT
• Nitro qualifying session (Q3): 5:30 p.m. CDT/6:30 p.m. EDT

Sunday, Oct. 1 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)
• Round 1: 11 a.m. CDT/1 a.m. EDT
• Round 2: 1:30 p.m. CDT/2:30 p.m. EDT
• Semifinals: 3:10 p.m. CDT/4:10 p.m. EDT
• Finals: 4:40 p.m. CDT/5:40 p.m. EDT

TV coverage on FS1
• Friday, Sept. 29: Qualifying show (7 p.m. EDT)
• Sunday, Oct. 1: Qualifying show recapping Saturday’s action (2 p.m. EDT)
• Sunday, Oct. 1: Finals show (3 p.m. EDT)