TSR Nitro Teams Gear Up for NHRA Arizona Nationals

Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan are looking to build on early-season momentum as they prepare for the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. With both drivers aiming to capitalize on strong performances and key points opportunities, the event promises to be a thrilling race weekend.

Tony Stewart: Gaining Confidence for Phoenix – 

Tony Stewart, a veteran in motorsports, is finding his footing in the 2025 NHRA season with his Top Fuel team at Tony Stewart Racing (TSR). After a challenging season start, Stewart heads to the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park with renewed optimism and confidence.

Stewart’s journey into NHRA Top Fuel racing hasn’t been without its hurdles. In testing sessions at Bradenton earlier this year, he struggled to find consistency. However, the team quickly recalibrated, finding a better setup in time for the Gatornationals in Gainesville. There, Stewart’s car showed promising results, running four successful passes out of six during the event—a marked improvement from previous events.

“Once we left the PRO event in Bradenton, we were all frustrated, but that was the wake-up call we needed. Getting the car back on track in Gainesville, making those passes, really helped build our confidence,” Stewart reflected. “The car went down all four runs during the Gatornationals, and now we have a platform to build on for Phoenix.”

With back-to-back events in Phoenix and Pomona, Stewart is eager to continue his progress. “It’s a tough stretch, but now we know we have something to work with. We’ve learned a lot, and I’m looking forward to Phoenix. We can attack these next couple of races with a lot more knowledge than we had last year,” he said.

Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge: A Critical Opportunity – 

One of the key highlights for Stewart at this weekend’s race is his participation in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. As Steve Torrence, one of the perennial top performers in Top Fuel, will not be racing in Phoenix, Stewart has a unique opportunity to score additional points.

The Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge allows drivers to compete in a special qualifying format where extra points are up for grabs. The added bonus purse and points play a critical role in the Countdown to the Championship, a vital race for the series title.

“Any chance we have to gain points, we’re going to take it,” Stewart said. “It’s a different format, but we’re focusing on consistency. If we can make consistent passes on Friday, we’ll be in a strong position for Saturday’s Challenge.”

The challenge format sees drivers from different categories battle it out in an exciting showdown, and the points earned during these special rounds could make all the difference as the season progresses.

Matt Hagan: A Strong Start to 2025 – 

Matt Hagan, driver of the TSR Funny Car, has also shown strong early-season form. Hagan, a two-time NHRA Funny Car champion, made a seamless transition to the 2025 season despite the challenge of working with new crew chiefs Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler. In his first event with the new crew chiefs, Hagan made it to the semifinals at the Gatornationals, showing great promise.

“I’m really excited about how the team performed in Gainesville. We have a lot of new faces, but they’ve already gelled, and we’re clicking,” Hagan said. “It’s a great start to the season, and I’m excited about Phoenix because we’re building momentum.”

Knudsen and Shuler, two experienced figures in the NHRA, have quickly adapted to the task of fine-tuning Hagan’s car for optimal performance. According to Hagan, the transition was smooth, and they’ve already made significant strides. “Mike, Phil, and Alex did an amazing job in Gainesville. We had an injured crew member, but the rest of the guys really stepped up. You can tell they’re all focused on getting this car to the top of the field.”

Hagan’s success in Gainesville not only bolstered his confidence but also allowed the team to fine-tune their setup for the upcoming Phoenix race. “Going rounds in Gainesville always helps to boost confidence,” he noted. “We know where we’re strong, and we’re working on where we can improve.”

Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge: A Rematch Against Chad Green – 

Like Stewart, Hagan will also participate in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge during the Phoenix race. His first opponent in this unique challenge is Chad Green, the winner of the 2025 NHRA Gatornationals.

Hagan’s race against Green will be a rematch of sorts, as the two drivers have a history of close races. Green’s win at the Gatornationals further solidified his reputation as a rising star in Funny Car, but Hagan is determined to give him a tough fight.

“I’m ready for the challenge,” Hagan stated. “We’ve got to keep an eye on guys like Chad Green. He’s quick, and he’s going to be tough to beat, but that’s what makes racing exciting. We’re ready to give him a run for his money.”

Looking Ahead: Phoenix and Pomona – 

Stewart and Hagan are determined to capitalize on their early-season performances in the next two races: Phoenix and Pomona. The back-to-back races allow them to build on their strengths and adjust where necessary quickly.

“I think we’re in a good place heading into Phoenix,” Hagan concluded. “The team is firing on all cylinders, and the car is fast. If we can stay consistent and take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way, we’ll be in a strong position for Pomona and beyond.”

TV Schedule for NHRA Arizona Nationals – 

Fans eager to follow the action from Phoenix can tune in at the following times:

• Friday, March 21, 2025 – 

  • Qualifying Coverage – Broadcast Time: 8:00 p.m. EDT on FS1

• Saturday, March 22, 2025 –
  • Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge – Broadcast Time: 4:30 p.m. EDT on FS1

• Sunday, March 23, 2025 – 

  • Final Elimination Coverage – Broadcast Time: 2:30 p.m. EDT on FOX, Bonus Coverage: 5:00 p.m. EDT on FS1