Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently expressed his deep respect for Tony Stewart’s NHRA career, sharing his reaction after testing Cleetus McFarland’s drag racing truck. During a candid discussion, Dale Jr. revealed that, after experiencing the tremendous force and speed of a powerful drag truck, Stewart’s accomplishments in NHRA now rank “near the top” of his list of racing achievements. This acknowledgement highlights just how difficult and demanding the sport can be, even for seasoned motorsports professionals.
Tony Stewart, who took over driving duties for his own team, Tony Stewart Racing, this season, stepped in for his wife, Leah Pruett. After earning NHRA Rookie of the Year last season, he launched into the 2025 campaign with a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 13, demonstrating why his career has become a focal point of admiration. Just days later, Dale Earnhardt Jr. piloted the modified NASCAR Craftsman Truck at Talladega, designed for drag racing by McFarland, and was left with newfound appreciation for Stewart’s skill after feeling the rush of accelerating to 140 mph over just an eighth of a mile.
Appearing on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. described the sensation as “intense,” noting how the rapid speed made him lightheaded and unprepared for the G-forces involved. This experience gave him a detailed understanding of the physical and mental demands faced by drivers like Tony Stewart in the NHRA, helping explain why Stewart’s achievements have been so widely respected among racing veterans. Stewart, uniquely, holds championships in both NASCAR and IndyCar, along with victories in USAC and IROC, and his performance in NHRA has stood out even among these accomplishments.
Stewart’s consistent performances this season, including a third consecutive final in Charlotte on April 27, have him close behind NHRA points leader Shawn Langdon. In a recent press conference, Stewart reacted to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s drag truck experience by inviting him to try a ride in his own dragster. Dale Jr., intrigued but cautious, said he would consider the offer if safety could be assured.
Tony Stewart is on the verge of making history, preparing to become the first driver to compete on all of Chicagoland’s circuits: the oval, dirt track, and drag strip. Alongside teammate Matt Hagan, he is set for the sixth NHRA Drag Racing Series event of 2025 this Friday, marking another important chapter in his diverse racing journey. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s praise underscores how Stewart’s NHRA career resonates far beyond the drag strip, inspiring both fans and fellow competitors alike.
