This past weekend, Kurt Busch experienced a thrilling encounter with the world of NHRA drag racing, thanks to an exclusive invite from his former NASCAR Cup Series teammate, Tony Stewart. The event took place at the renowned zMax Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, where Busch attended the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. Sharing images from the event, Busch expressed his gratitude to Stewart on his X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting the bond the two drivers still share.
Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart’s professional relationship dates back to 2014 when Busch joined Stewart-Haas Racing. They were teammates for two years before Stewart retired from NASCAR in 2016. Their camaraderie was evident at the NHRA event, with Busch enjoying the spectacle of nitro-fueled drag racing, a stark contrast to the stock car racing world he is well-acquainted with.
At the 4-Wide Nationals, Tony Stewart showcased his racing prowess by driving the Top Fuel Dragster under his team’s banner, Tony Stewart Racing. Qualifying eighth place, Stewart concluded the weekend with an impressive third-place finish, further cementing his place as a formidable competitor in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing series. This marks Stewart’s second year in the series, having replaced his wife, Leah Pruett, at the beginning of the 2024 season.
Stewart’s recent achievements include his first-ever Top Fuel Dragster win at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. His participation in this past weekend’s event, which marked the 1,000th race in the NHRA series, is another milestone in his illustrious racing career. Stewart reflected on the significance of being part of such monumental occasions, which include NASCAR’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 1998 during his time with Joe Gibbs Racing.
The Concord event posed another opportunity for fans to witness Stewart’s expertise, while also catching a glimpse of Kurt Busch, as the drag racing saga continues to evolve. Looking ahead, Stewart is set to compete in the upcoming ‘Route 66 NHRA Nationals’ at Route 66 Raceway on May 18th.
Kurt Busch’s exposure to NHRA drag racing, accentuated by Tony Stewart’s impressive dragstrip endeavours, certainly captivated fans and highlighted the cross-discipline respect within the motorsports community. As the NHRA series gears up for its 75th Anniversary next year, the involvement of icons like Busch and Stewart exemplifies the enduring allure of motorsports’ diverse landscape.
