TSR Nitro Teams Ready for Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd

Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro teams are set to compete in the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals, taking place from August 16-18 at Brainerd International Raceway in Minnesota. The event marks the 13th stop on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ 20-race calendar, with TSR fielding two entries—one in Top Fuel for Tony Stewart and another in Funny Car for Matt Hagan.

Sponsors and Car Livery – 

Tony Stewart, will be driving the Mahindra Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster. This race is particularly special for Stewart as it marks the first time Mahindra tractors will serve as the primary sponsor on his dragster. Mahindra Ag North America is part of the world’s top-selling farm tractor company, offering a range of models engineered for both ease of use and heavy-duty tasks. The Mahindra partnership with TSR is an extension of their relationship from NASCAR, where Stewart has previously represented the brand.

Matt Hagan, a four-time Funny Car champion, will be piloting the American Rebel Beer Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car. American Rebel Beer, founded by Andy Ross in April 2024, is making its debut as a primary sponsor in the NHRA. The brand embodies American patriotism and is currently available in five states, with plans to expand. Hagan has a personal connection with the brand, having invested in it, making this partnership especially meaningful.

Quotes from the Drivers – 

Tony Stewart expressed excitement about representing Mahindra in Brainerd. “We’ve got a great relationship with Mahindra tractors, and it’s nice to bring them to the drag racing side with us this weekend,” said Stewart. “They’re coming over to another form of motorsports, and being in Brainerd, I feel like the demographic is a great fit for them. I’m proud to have them on the car.”

Reflecting on his recent performance and upcoming challenges, Stewart added, “I’ve always been the kind of race car driver that if I had a night off or a weekend off, I always found something to race. Being a drag racer now is no different. I always want to be in a race car as much as possible.”

Matt Hagan, who is already on the verge of securing his spot in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, is eager to showcase American Rebel Beer. “I’m honored to represent American Rebel because it’s a company I believe in and that I’ve personally invested in,” said Hagan. “We have to go into the Countdown with a nothing-to-lose mentality. Points reset so to speak, so we have nothing to lose and can swing for the fence.”

Event Schedule and TV Coverage – 

The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals will be streamed live on NHRA.TV, with key sessions scheduled as follows:

• Friday, August 16:
  • Nitro Qualifying (Q1): 4:30 p.m. CDT/5:30 p.m. EDT
  • Nitro Qualifying (Q2): 6:45 p.m. CDT/7:45 p.m. EDT
• Saturday, August 17:
  • Top Fuel Qualifying (Q3) & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Top Fuel Challenge – Round 1: 12:30 p.m. CDT/1:30 p.m. EDT
  • Funny Car Qualifying (Q3) & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge – Round 1: 1:05 p.m. CDT/2:05 p.m. EDT
  • Top Fuel Qualifying (Q4) & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Top Fuel Challenge – Finals: 3 p.m. CDT/4 p.m. EDT
  • Funny Car Qualifying (Q4) & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge – Finals: 3:30 p.m. CDT/4:30 p.m. EDT
• Sunday, August 18:
  • Nitro Eliminations – Round 1: 10:30 a.m. CDT/11:30 a.m. EDT
  • Nitro Eliminations – Round 2: 12:45 p.m. CDT/1:45 p.m. EDT
  • Nitro Eliminations – Semi-Finals: 2:30 p.m. CDT/3:30 p.m. EDT
  • Nitro Eliminations – Finals: 4 p.m. CDT/5 p.m. EDT

Television coverage will be available on FS1 and FOX:

• Friday, August 16: Qualifying show at 7 p.m. CDT/8 p.m. EDT on FS1
• Saturday, August 17: Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at 5 p.m. CDT/6 p.m. EDT on FS1
• Sunday, August 18: Qualifying show recapping Saturday’s action at 12 p.m. CDT/1 p.m. EDT on FS1
• Sunday, August 18: Finals show at 2 p.m. CDT/3 p.m. EDT on FOX

With only two races remaining before the Countdown to the Championship, Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan are focused on delivering strong performances at Brainerd. Both drivers have high expectations and are eager to take their respective sponsors to victory lane.