TSR Nitro Teams Go To Semifinals At In-N-Out NHRA Finals

The In-N-Out NHRA Finals in Pomona, California, capped off an eventful 2024 NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series, with Dodge//SRT teams making headlines on and off the track. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) showcased resilience and skill as Tony Stewart and teammate Matt Hagan advanced to the semifinals in their respective categories.

Tony Stewart’s Eventful Day – 

Tony Stewart, driving the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster, had a day to remember. The NASCAR Hall of Famer balanced becoming a father and competing at the season finale. After qualifying seventh on Saturday, Stewart flew to Phoenix to be by his wife Leah Pruett’s side for the birth of their son, Dominic James, at 4:43 a.m. Sunday. By 8 a.m., he was back at the Pomona Dragstrip, ready for eliminations.

Stewart powered past Billy Torrence and Gary Pritchett in the opening rounds. In the semifinals, Stewart faced defending champion Doug Kalitta. Despite a strong start, Kalitta edged him out with a quicker 3.678-second pass against Stewart’s 3.738. The semifinal finish secured Stewart ninth place in the final Top Fuel standings—a remarkable feat for his rookie season.

“I’m running on adrenaline and about two hours of sleep,” said Stewart. “Becoming a dad and competing here today makes this one of the most special days of my life. I’m proud of what we accomplished on and off the track this year.”

Matt Hagan Battles to Funny Car Semifinals – 

Matt Hagan, piloting the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car, continued to demonstrate his championship-caliber skills. The four-time Funny Car champion qualified fourth and claimed victories over Steven Densham and Daniel Wilkerson before facing Austin Prock, the 2024 Funny Car champion, in the semifinals.

Hagan’s 3.866-second pass wasn’t enough to overcome Prock’s 3.812-second run. Despite the loss, Hagan finished fourth in the season standings, narrowly missing third place by ten points.

“We had a strong year with three wins and battled for the championship until the final race,” said Hagan. “I’m confident our Dodge//SRT team will come back even stronger in 2025.”

Swedish Rookie Ida Zetterström Gains Experience – 

Ida Zetterström, driving the JCM/Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster, wrapped up her first full NHRA season at Pomona. Despite a strong qualifying performance, Zetterström fell to Doug Kalitta in the first round after losing traction early in the race.

Looking Ahead – 

The Dodge NHRA teams showcased competitive spirit and teamwork throughout the 2024 season. With the offseason ahead, TSR and its drivers will regroup and prepare for the 2025 NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series, which will kick off at the NHRA Gator Nationals in Gainesville, Florida, from March 6 to 9.