TSR Opens 2025 NHRA Season Strong at Gatornationals

Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) hit the ground running at the rain-delayed 2025 NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals in Gainesville, Fla., with drivers Matt Hagan and Tony Stewart delivering standout performances in their all-new red-and-blue Direct Connection Dodge//SRT nitro cars.

Despite losing two qualifying rounds to weather and facing tricky track conditions, Hagan and Stewart both showcased the power and consistency of their 11,000-horsepower machines. Hagan, a two-time Gatornationals champion, made it to the Funny Car semifinals, while Stewart posted the low elapsed time in the opening round of Top Fuel eliminations.

Hagan’s revamped team, led by new Crew Chief Mike Knudsen and Co-Crew Chief Phil Shuler, looked sharp from the start. Hagan defeated former world champion Cruz Pedregon in the first round and No. 1 qualifier Jack Beckman in the second. His run ended in the semifinals with a narrow loss to event winner Chad Green, 3.92 to 3.98.

“It’s been a great weekend for our Funny Car team,” said Hagan, the four-time NHRA World Funny Car Champion. “We’ve got a lot of new guys in key positions, and they really stepped up. Beating someone like Jack Beckman is no small feat, and I’m proud of the calls my crew made. We’re looking forward to building on this momentum in Phoenix.”

Stewart, who’s entering his second Top Fuel season, impressed with his consistency. He recorded a blistering 3.722-second run in the first round — the quickest of the session. Despite a strong 3.742-second pass in the quarterfinals, Stewart was edged out by Shawn Langdon’s 3.739-second run.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this team,” said Stewart. “The conditions threw us a curveball, but my guys made the right calls, and we were the only car to make it down the track in the first round. We’re seeing real promise with this new approach, and the consistency we’re building is key. Phoenix is next, and we’re ready to keep pushing.”

On the JCM Racing side, Swedish drag racing star Ida Zetterström returned to the NHRA Mission Series in her Dodge//SRT-backed Top Fuel dragster. After missing out on two qualifying rounds, she faced former world champion Doug Kalitta in the first round and struggled with traction off the line, resulting in an early exit.

“Obviously, the weather made things tough,” said Zetterström. “We only got two qualifiers, and we had some parts issues on the second run. Today, the traction just wasn’t there, and we couldn’t catch Doug. But we’ll regroup and come back stronger.”

The NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series heads to Firebird Motorsports Park in Chandler, Ariz., for the Arizona Nationals on March 21-23.