Tony Stewart, a well-known name in the world of motorsports, made a bold transition to the NHRA in 2022 and founded his own team TSR (Tony Stewart Racing) with his wife Leah Pruett. With Pruett stepping aside to start a family, Stewart moved into his Top Fuel racing this year, intensifying his commitment to drag racing.
Despite his struggles to secure an NHRA victory, Stewart’s appetite for racing has only strengthened since his departure from NASCAR last month. This transition period has seen the three-time Cup champion face mechanical setbacks and tough competition, but the determination is palpable.
Tony Stewart’s struggles and SHR charter sale
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Tony Stewart’s move to the NHRA coincided with significant changes to his NASCAR team, Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). In 2024, Stewart and Gene Haas announced the sale of SHR’s charter. This decision affected drivers such as Josh Berry, Noah Gragson and Cole Custer. Consequently, Stewart’s focus became more on his efforts in the NHRA. Stewart’s NHRA team, Tony Stewart Racing, competes in the Top Fuel class. Here, Stewart has faced a steep learning curve.
Stewart mentioned the challenges he faced, especially with tuning the car. Reflecting on his NHRA career, he said, “We didn’t show up just to say we have to drive these things. “We want to be successful, we want to win rounds and we want to win races.”
His determination to win is evident. However, the transition from his wife’s setup to his has been a key adjustment for the team. Stewart added: “It’s part of the learning process. “As I mentioned at the beginning of the season, I weigh a little bit more than my wife, so it’s an adjustment for the team.”
Despite some notable performances this year, it has been a barren season for Tony Stewart in the NHRA. Considering the legacy of the former NASCAR driver, his performance has not been up to par. The four-time Cup Series champion is currently in ninth position. Having scored 345 points so far, he trails #1 ranked Justin Ashley by a large margin. That said, his Dodge Top Fuel Dragster is still behind by 221 points. But he’s far from over for the prodigal businessman, driver and husband.
via imago
Tony Stewart, Marco Andretti | Credits – Imago
Stewart’s hunger for success is reflected in his TSR Funny Car driver, Matt Hagan. Hagan humorously shared, “I’m working on that man. The tape guy and I are getting closer lately.”
This camaraderie highlights the team’s collective drive to improve. Stewart also recounted racing against Doug Kalitta. This moment brought back memories of his days at USAC. “It was Doug and I’s first time racing last week…the goal is to go out and try to win events and rounds to get there,” Stewart said. This emphasizes the importance of gaining more experience with each round. However, his NHRA initiative is not unfounded, but is based on significant support.
Racing accolades, new sponsorship fuel NHRA pursuit of Stewart
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Tony Stewart’s journey to the NHRA has not been without success. He competed in Top Alcohol Dragster last year, taking two wins in NHRA national events. This year, Stewart transitioned to Top Fuel and stepped into Leah Pruett’s shoes as she focuses on starting a family. Stewart’s NHRA team recently received a boost with a new sponsorship from DSR Performance. This partnership promises to improve its performance capabilities.
DSR Performance will act as an associate sponsor and performance parts supplier for TSR. They will provide top-notch components and engineering services. “We have had a great relationship with Tony Stewart Racing since its NHRA debut and are excited to expand our partnership,” said Chad Osier, president of DSR Performance. This partnership is expected to bolster TSR’s competitiveness, potentially ending Stewart’s winless streak in the NHRA.
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Stewart’s focus on victory is evident. “We are proud to have DSR Performance integrated with TSR. Since the inception of our team, we have used their parts in our cars, propelling us to multiple wins and Matt Hagan’s 2023 Championship,” said Stewart. The synergy between Stewart’s racing appetite and DSR’s advanced technology could be the key to overcoming the current drought.
As Stewart prepares for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, this sponsorship could prove to be a turning point for TSR. Will this new sponsorship and his unwavering hunger for victory finally lead to his first Top Fuel win?
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