Tony Stewart captured the 2025 NHRA Top Fuel Regular Season title, extending his historic list of racing achievements and showcasing his dominance in the Tony Stewart NHRA Top Fuel championship. Competing for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), Stewart excelled with multiple victories and consistent top finishes during the grueling 20-race NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series.
Stewart’s Record-Breaking Season and Notable Performances
Piloting the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster, Stewart’s season was highlighted by both speed and reliability on the track. He claimed pivotal wins at premier events, including the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas and the Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Illinois. These successes helped him secure the points lead entering the playoffs, and his outstanding driving contributed to a gap of 71 points over competitors at one stage of the season.
What set Stewart apart was his ability to consistently reach the late rounds, with five consecutive final-round appearances demonstrating the strength of both his driving and his team’s preparation. He set personal bests and series records, such as his 3.679-second qualifying run and a 3.777-second sprint at 329.10 mph in Chicago, placing his performances among the top of the class for the year.
With the NHRA Top Fuel regular season title, Stewart’s legacy now includes major championships in IndyCar, NASCAR, Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), and NHRA Top Fuel—a milestone unmatched in motorsports history. The accomplishment cements Tony Stewart as one of racing’s most adaptable and successful competitors, bringing significant pride to his namesake team and its Nitro operation.
Addressing Controversy Amid Team Changes
In 2025, as Tony Stewart Racing marked its 25th anniversary, Stewart responded to criticism following a shakeup within the team. The end of a long-standing relationship with driver Donny Schatz, who claimed eight series titles with TSR since 2008, generated public scrutiny after Kerry Madsen took the wheel in August. Stewart’s comments reflected genuine frustration at how the split was interpreted given his nearly two-decade partnership with Schatz.
“It just, it’s really frustrating and disappointing to have to live through that part of it for no reason, for people that just literally don’t have a clue what it takes to build a program. You know, if they’re so smart I’d like to see them on a program, you know? It’d be really fun to watch them step on their d*ck and suffer, and think they know all the answers of what it takes to a professional race team,” said Stewart during a Q&A session with Flo Racing.
Stewart emphasized the unique challenges faced in drag racing compared to his past experience in stock car NASCAR events, highlighting that drag races are completed in just seconds, requiring sharp focus and instant precision, while stock car races involve hours on the track and numerous pit stops. He noted that operating a drag racing team demands an entirely different approach, from preparation to execution, as races hinge on moments rather than endurance over distance.
Impact of a Historic Championship on Stewart’s Racing Legacy
Securing the Tony Stewart NHRA Top Fuel championship further enhances Stewart’s reputation as an all-around motorsports champion. His ability to master a new discipline, adapting his skills and leadership to the highly specialized world of NHRA Top Fuel, demonstrates both versatility and a tireless commitment to racing success. With TSR’s ongoing evolution and Stewart’s direct style in confronting challenges, fans and observers can expect continued excitement as his team pursues further achievements in the coming seasons.
