Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has announced his continued commitment to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) for the 2025 season.
He will be piloting the Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster, marking his second full-time run in the NHRA Top Fuel drag racing series. ‘s foray into NHRA began in 2022 with the formation of Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro, expanding his motorsports involvement beyond his established success in sprint car racing. In 2024, he took over driving duties in the Top Fuel dragster from his wife, Leah Pruett, as they started a family. Pruett, an accomplished NHRA driver with 18 victories, paused her racing career after the birth of their first child, Dominic James Stewart, in November 2024.
In preparation for the 2025 NHRA season, TSR has made significant leadership changes. Mike Knudsen has been promoted to crew chief for Matt Hagan’s Funny Car team, with Phil Shuler joining as co-crew chief. Knudsen, who has worked with Hagan since 2013, steps into the crew chief role after contributing to three championships and 43 event wins.
The 2025 season also marks the 25th anniversary of Tony Stewart Racing. Since its inception in 2001, TSR has secured 27 owners’ titles across various racing series, including 14 in the United States Auto Club (USAC), nine in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Sprint Car Series, and four in the All Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midget Racing Series.
Stewart’s dedication to drag racing signifies a shift from his previous focus on NASCAR, where he achieved significant success both as a driver and team owner of Stewart-Haas Racing. His ongoing involvement in NHRA underscores his passion for the sport and his commitment to expanding his legacy within the motorsports community.
As the 2025 NHRA season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Stewart’s team will perform under the new leadership structure and how Stewart himself will fare in his continued role as a Top Fuel driver.
