Tony Stewart made headlines again, but this time not in NASCAR. At a high-speed event in Las Vegas, he reached over 317 miles per hour and passed some of drag racing’s biggest names. The win came with strong emotions and a powerful message. It marked a big change in his racing career, one filled with speed, skill, and something deeper. What pushed Tony Stewart forward in this new path wasn’t just the race—it was something personal.
Key Highlights
- Tony Stewart secured his first career NHRA Top Fuel victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
- Stewart defeated reigning champion Antron Brown and others in a final round with a 3.870-second run.
- The victory marked a significant milestone in Stewart’s transition to drag racing, which began in 2022.
- Stewart emotionally dedicated the win to Rayce Rudeen and mourned the loss of Jenny Rush.
- The win adds to Stewart’s diverse racing achievements and he aims to continue success at zMAX Dragway.
Tony Stewart Earns First NHRA Top Fuel Title
Although Tony Stewart is best known for his success in NASCAR and IndyCar racing, his latest achievement in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series highlights his versatility and devotion to motorsports.
Tony Stewart secured his initial career NHRA Top Fuel victory at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway during the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Demonstrating remarkable skill and resolve, Stewart covered the 1,000-foot drag strip in a breathtaking 3.870 seconds, reaching a speed of 317.42 mph in the final round.
This impressive performance enabled him to prevail over fierce competitors, including reigning NHRA Top Fuel champion Antron Brown, Jasmine Salinas, and Justin Ashley.
Just weeks earlier, Stewart had reached the final round at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, only to be narrowly defeated. His perseverance and steadfast commitment paid off in Las Vegas, adding a notable accolade to his already illustrious racing career.
Background and Transition to Drag Racing
Tony Stewart’s shift from NASCAR and IndyCar to drag racing is a demonstration of his steadfast dedication and passion for motorsports. Starting on this new adventure in 2022, Stewart expanded his racing repertoire by joining the Top Fuel ranks of the NHRA in 2024, replacing his wife Leah Pruett in the Tony Stewart Racing Top Fuel dragster.
His change wasn’t merely a switch in vehicles; it marked a notable evolution in his illustrious career.
In 2023, Stewart achieved victory at Las Vegas in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series’ Top Alcohol Dragster division, showcasing his adaptability and competitive spirit.
His impressive performances, including reaching the finals at the 4-Wide Nationals, set the stage for his ninth-place finish in the 2024 Top Fuel points standings, earning him NHRA Rookie of the Year honors.
Post-Race Comments and Emotional Dedication
Victory can be a powerful reminder of the path and struggles that precede it, and Tony Stewart’s post-race comments reflected a deep appreciation for the challenges he overcame to reach this milestone.
Stewart openly acknowledged the significance of the win, noting the deeper appreciation that comes from persevering through adversity. He expressed profound gratitude toward his team, particularly highlighting Kevin Rudeen and his family, whose presence emphasized the importance of community support in his experience.
“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.” – Tony Stewart
Stewart’s dedication of the victory to Rayce Rudeen was particularly poignant, as his Top Fuel dragster prominently featured the Rayce Rudeen Foundation colors. This foundation is dedicated to promoting a life free from addiction, enhancing the emotional depth of Stewart’s success.
Stewart’s heartfelt acknowledgment of Rayce, saying, “Rayce, you did this one for us today, buddy. This is all you,” revealed the personal connections that fueled his resolve and highlighted the race’s emotional gravity.
Tribute to Lost Friends and Family
In the midst of success, Tony Stewart’s thoughts turned to those he had lost, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of his achievement.
The victory at the NHRA Top Fuel event was tainted by personal grief, as he mourned the passing of Jenny Rush, wife of his Rush Truck Centers’ partner, Rusty Rush. Her memory was present as Stewart dedicated his win to her, highlighting the poignant interplay between the heights of accomplishment and the depths of sorrow.
“It’s the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Our Rush Truck Centers family, Rusty Rush, we lost his wife Jenny this week. Literally 15 minutes before we rolled out for the final here, I got a message from Bakersfield, California from a friend of mine, Brian Landgraff, that we just lost his father.”
“We’ve lost a lot of people this week, and it’s been tough. I’m so proud of our guys. Dodge Direct Connection, Rayce Rudeen Foundation, everybody at Mobil 1.” – Tony Stewart
Furthermore, just moments before the final race, Stewart received the heart-wrenching news from Bakersfield, California, that his friend Brian Landgraff’s father had passed away.
These profound losses cast a shadow over the celebration, yet Stewart’s acknowledgment of them stands as a tribute to the enduring connections forged through shared experiences.
“I have a feeling I’m going to be really hurting in the morning here, but it’s going to sure as hell be worth it.” – Tony Stewart
As he celebrated, his thoughts remained with those who had profoundly impacted his path, ensuring their memories were honored amidst his success.
Additional Achievements and Next Race
Amidst a tapestry of past victories and future ambitions, Tony Stewart’s racing odyssey continued to evolve as he added another prestigious accomplishment to his illustrious career.
His recent success in NHRA Top Fuel racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a venue where Stewart has previously claimed victories in NASCAR Cup Series, USAC events at The Dirt Track, and The Bullring, cements his mastery across diverse racing disciplines.
This latest achievement adds a new chapter to his legacy, showcasing his adaptability and tireless pursuit of excellence.
Looking ahead, Stewart’s racing calendar turns to the zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, where he will compete from April 25 to 27.
The American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals presents another formidable challenge in the Top Fuel category.
As Stewart prepares for this next event, his focus remains steadfast, driven by the desire to further extend his winning streak and leave an indelible mark on the NHRA circuit.
News in Brief: Tony Stewart NHRA Top Fuel Victory
Tony Stewart’s initial Top Fuel win in Las Vegas was not just a personal success but a heartfelt tribute to those he has lost. His shift from a decorated NASCAR career to drag racing highlights his adaptability and passion for motorsports. In his post-race comments, Stewart expressed deep gratitude, dedicating his victory to friends and family who have passed away, emphasizing the emotional significance of the win. Stewart’s expedition continues as he prepares for his next challenge on the track.
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