Tony Stewart NHRA regular season champion is the latest accolade for a motorsports legend, as Stewart secured the 2025 title during the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. With this achievement, the veteran racer not only extends his multi-series legacy but also claims a substantial $150,000 prize, with the NHRA boosting its overall reward pool to $25 million this year.
Stewart Achieves Racing Milestone at Home
At 54 years old, Tony Stewart, celebrated for triumphs in NASCAR, IndyCar, and other series, earned his NHRA Regular Season Champion status with a victory at the 71st annual NHRA U.S. Nationals—marking another chapter in his storied career on Indiana soil. The driver, affectionately known as “Smoke,” approached the event trailing Shawn Langdon by 45 points but overturned that deficit to emerge as the new leader. This win takes its place alongside Stewart’s numerous championships, including those from IROC, SRX, USAC, and the Chili Bowl.
Rewarding Excellence in Racing
NHRA’s commitment to rewarding its athletes was made clear with a sizable increase in prize money at the start of the year. Tony Stewart’s success came amid these changes, as he captured $150,000 for topping the regular season point standings. In the words of NHRA’s leadership,
“It is always our goal to incentivize our amazing racers at all levels, and we’ve been intently focused on introducing new ways to reward our drivers and race teams.”
—Glen Cromwell, NHRA President
“We’re excited to award $25 million to these incredible teams and competitors who race at such a high level and put on a tremendous show for our fans across the country,”
—Glen Cromwell, NHRA President
Aiming for Even More in the Playoffs
Now holding the coveted regular season trophy, Stewart’s attention turns to the Countdown to the Championship, which launches September 12–14 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Having entered Top Fuel as a rookie, Stewart surmounted a steep learning curve, managing pressure heightened by his wife, Leah Pruett’s, own title pursuits. Despite intense scrutiny and fierce competition—including strong runs by Shawn Langdon—Stewart maintained consistent performances, notching two race wins, and contended for the points lead most of the year.
Significance and What Lies Ahead
With his victory in Indianapolis, Tony Stewart strengthens his claim as a top talent across American motorsports, demonstrating versatility and resilience as both a racer and team owner. The upcoming Countdown to the Championship promises more excitement as Stewart leverages his vast experience and determination, aiming for his first overall NHRA title. With both his personal and professional ambitions in play, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as the next chapter unfolds in Stewart’s remarkable career.
