Tony Stewart silences critics with NHRA Top Fuel win after taking a dramatic victory at Route 66 Raceway on May 18, firmly establishing himself as a force in drag racing and unleashing a fiery tirade against his detractors. The NASCAR Hall of Famer’s emotional response followed his second Top Fuel triumph of the 2025 season, addressing ongoing criticism about his place in racing and defending his accomplishments with unmistakable intensity.
Stewart Dominates Route 66 for a Career-Defining Win
At the Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Stewart delivered one of the standout performances of his drag racing career. Overcoming Justin Ashley in the final round, Stewart clinched his second victory of the 2025 season, which pushed him to the top of the NHRA Top Fuel points standings for the first time in his drag racing journey. This win, notable for both its timing and execution, represented a significant moment for Stewart, who earned his reputation in stock car racing and now further demonstrated his versatility.
The final saw Stewart blast down the strip in 3.777 seconds, reaching a blistering speed of 329.10 mph—one of the fastest times of the weekend. The achievement also marked his fourth consecutive appearance in a final round, supporting his claim with two victories and two runner-up finishes during this stretch. With this consistency, Stewart proved naysayers wrong and showed adaptability outside his original motorsports discipline.
“NASCAR Hall of Famer and 1997 INDYCAR SERIES champion Tony Stewart sits atop the NHRA Top Fuel points standings heading into #NewEnglandNats 🔥 #Versatility #Nitro pic.twitter.com/S5ZNK0nfBm”
—FOX Sports PR
Addressing Social Media Backlash with Unfiltered Honesty
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when the race was over, as Stewart took the opportunity to address his critics with unrestrained candor. He directed his comments at negative voices on social media, specifically targeting those who questioned his abilities and who argued that his wife, Leah Pruett, should be the one behind the wheel instead of him. The controversy had intensified since Pruett stepped away from driving, leaving Stewart at the center of both performance and personal debates among fans.
“I make the big mistake of reading social media, which I think we all make—very vital, critical mistakes—by reading the keyboard warriors that are dumb***es that sit in their mother’s basements and don’t do a damn thing and haven’t accomplished anything in their life and tell you how bad you are at what you do,”
—Tony Stewart, NASCAR Hall of Famer
During his six-week recovery at home from recent shoulder surgery, Stewart found himself frequently facing online criticism. Having little else to occupy his time, he observed mounting doubts about his presence in Top Fuel racing and persistent suggestions that Pruett’s prior successes made him undeserving of his seat.
“I’ve never stood at the ropes and had anybody come up and go, ‘You really are bad at this, and you should put your wife in the car… She almost won a world championship.’ Well, now they can kiss my ass. They literally (can) kiss my ass.”
—Tony Stewart, NASCAR Hall of Famer
The intensity of Stewart’s reaction stemmed from months of compounded frustration, magnified by repeated comments questioning his credentials and contributions to the sport.
Pointing to Results in Defense of His Career
With another trophy in hand, Stewart turned his attention to the tangible successes that he believes silence his critics most effectively. Despite the emotional toll and the heated public scrutiny, Stewart emphasized that the results on the track ought to speak for themselves.
“I got two silver Wallys this year to show for it,”
—Tony Stewart, NASCAR Hall of Famer
The NASCAR legend’s strong showings, highlighted by his run at Route 66 and four consecutive finals, reflect a new chapter in his accomplished motorsports journey. His performance is regarded as a testament to adaptability and determination, outpacing many who doubted his prospects in the NHRA Top Fuel class.
Stewart’s victory and subsequent remarks have sparked discussion across the motorsports world, reframing the conversation about roles, expectations, and achievements in drag racing. As the season progresses and Stewart continues to compete at the highest level, both his results and his bold public stance are certain to attract ongoing attention and debate among fans, commentators, and fellow racers alike.
