Tony Stewart made headlines on Saturday at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, as he delivered his fastest NHRA Top Fuel qualifying run to date, earning an impressive No. 2 seed for the upcoming eliminations. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion shocked the drag racing community with a lightning-quick pass, pushing the boundaries of what he’s achieved so far in his new racing journey. With this career-best effort, Stewart’s transformation from NASCAR great to NHRA Top Fuel contender is capturing the attention and respect of fans and analysts across motorsports.
After years of dominating in NASCAR, Tony Stewart’s foray into NHRA Top Fuel has rapidly evolved from part-time stints and experimentation into a full-scale, competitive commitment. Behind the wheel of the No. 14 Dodge for Tony Stewart Racing Nitro, Stewart demonstrated that he is far more than a crossover story—he is now a genuine threat in the fastest racing arena on earth. The 53-year-old posted an electrifying 3.679-second run at a blazing 332.43 mph during qualifying, marking his highest starting position yet on the Top Fuel ladder.
The motorsports world is paying close attention to Tony Stewart and his Rinnai-sponsored crew, especially given his versatility and competitive spirit. Stewart, widely celebrated as one of the most adaptable drivers ever, credits his team for their consistency this season.
Stewart commented following his record-breaking pass.
Praising the collective effort, Tony Stewart added,
This achievement arrives shortly after Stewart’s breakthrough win at the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, where he became the only driver ever to capture victories in NASCAR, IndyCar, USAC, and NHRA events at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That landmark accomplishment solidified his legacy as one of racing’s all-time greats and showed that his NHRA aspirations are built on determination and elite skill, not just post-retirement curiosity.
With Sunday’s eliminations set at Route 66 Raceway—a venue where Tony Stewart has yet to claim victory—anticipation is high for another potential milestone. The momentum gained from Saturday’s dominant qualifying round energizes both Stewart and his team as they target yet another chapter in motorsports history. Should Stewart break through with a win, it would stand as a testament to his remarkable adaptability, the unity within his crew, and the ever-growing impact he continues to make in the NHRA Top Fuel ranks.
