On Sunday, racing legend Tony Stewart sparked fresh conversation within the motorsports community by inviting Kevin Harvick, his long-time friend and former teammate, to try his 12,000-horsepower, 340-mph Top Fuel dragster. Stewart’s offer comes after a similar public invitation made to Dale Earnhardt Jr., reflecting a continuing pattern of outreach to former NASCAR stars as he explores the wild world of drag racing. Although Stewart’s Top Fuel victory at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway marked a significant milestone, Harvick was quick to decline, voicing clear reservations about leaving his own racing comfort zone.
Tony Stewart’s transition from famed NASCAR champion to Top Fuel competitor has captured attention across the sport, not least due to his bold and candid approach. Victory in one of drag racing’s most intense formats—four-wide racing—demonstrated just how swiftly Stewart has adapted to these new challenges. However, when the topic of sharing that adrenaline came up during a recent SpeedFreaks interview, Harvick did not hesitate to turn down the invitation, even if it meant missing out on speeds far exceeding anything in his NASCAR portfolio.
Harvick responded when asked how he’d react if Tony Stewart invited him to pilot the dragster. The veteran driver admitted,
Instead, Harvick stated his preference for sticking to late model cars, remarking,
His words highlighted a candid acceptance that, for some racers, thrill has its boundaries.
This isn’t the first time Tony Stewart’s Top Fuel ambitions have surprised fellow drivers. His intention to let Dale Earnhardt Jr. try the powerful dragster ended similarly, with Earnhardt Jr. opting to pass on the opportunity. Stewart explained,
Tony Stewart acknowledged that the hesitation from Harvick and Earnhardt Jr. is not out of place. He compared their responses to his own early experiences in drag racing, especially after driving his wife Leah Pruett’s car during a test run.
Stewart shared.
He elaborated on the uniquely demanding nature of drag racing, describing it as
Stewart went on to emphasize,
As Tony Stewart extends Top Fuel dragster invitations, responses from established drivers like Harvick and Earnhardt Jr. illustrate the distinct challenges and perceptions surrounding drag racing’s elite class. Stewart’s outreach, marked by enthusiasm and authenticity, has ignited discussion about adaptability and risk among top competitors. With celebrated drivers hesitating to cross into drag racing’s high-speed realm, the spotlight may soon shift to emerging talents in the Cup Series, potentially altering the shape of Stewart’s open invitation in the near future.
