Tony Stewart once again proved that he is one of the most versatile drivers in the world, clinching his first career NHRA Top Fuel victory at The Strip. The legendary driver added one more accolade to his already illustrious resume on Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.
‘All the Credit Goes to This Team’ – Tony Stewart Breaks Silence After His Historic NHRA Win
The struggle was real, as Stewart himself admits: the time, effort, and perseverance he and his team had to go through. “Smoke” entered the final round two weeks ago in the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, California, before losing to Rick Ware Racing’s Clay Millican.
But this time around, Stewart couldn’t be denied the victory, adding another trophy to his collection, a case which includes three Cup Series titles (2003, 2005, and 2011), an IndyCar championship gold (1997), along with several other racing accomplishments. He is the only driver ever to have won titles in both NASCAR and IndyCar.
In the final four-standoff, Stewart crossed the finish line in 3.870 seconds at the 1,000-foot drag strip at a blistering 317.42 mph in the final round. He held off reigning NHRA Top Fuel champion Antron Brown (AB Motorsports) by just 0.0182 seconds, along with Jasmine Salinas (Scrappers Racing) and Justin Ashley (SCAG Racing).
Sharing his thoughts after his massive win, the 53-year-old said, “You sure as hell appreciate it more when you struggle like we did. All the credit goes to this team. I’m so proud of my guys. There’s so many great partners here, and I have a great team standing there.”
Stewart also showed his witty side, saying, “I have a feeling I’m really going to be hurting in the morning, but it sure as hell is going to be worth it.”
Three years ago, in 2022, Stewart ventured out, embarking on a drag racing career. A year later, in 2023, he won at Las Vegas in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series’ Top Alcohol Dragster division. Later in 2024, he received NHRA Rookie of the Year honors, finishing ninth in Top Fuel points.
Besides the transition to straight-line racing, Sunday’s win at Vegas was even sweeter for Stewart not only because it was the site of his very first drag race in the Top Alcohol Dragster class, but it’s where he received guidance from his wife, Leah Pruett, when he got behind the wheel of a 12,000-horsepower, nitro-fueled machine for the very first time.
Following his victory, Stewart mentioned his sponsor, the Rayce Rudeen Foundation, crediting them. “I think you sure as hell learn to appreciate it more when you struggle like that. I’m so appreciative of our guys. We’ve got Kevin Rudeen and his family here today. Rayce, you did this one for us today, buddy. This is all you.”
