Tony Stewart NHRA return is taking center stage as the NASCAR Hall of Famer gears up for competition once more after a violent crash less than a week ago, with his comeback effort unfolding at zMAX Dragway this weekend. Stewart, recognized as a racing legend at age 54, will rejoin the hunt for a world championship in the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals, partnering again with teammate Matt Hagan from September 19 to 21.
Stewart’s Dramatic Comeback After Severe Crash
The NHRA world watched in shock when Tony Stewart was involved in one of the most harrowing incidents in recent drag racing memory. At the Reading Nationals on September 14, Stewart and Doug Kalitta collided at speeds surpassing 325 mph during eliminations, leaving fans and competitors alike concerned for Stewart’s well-being.
The terrifying sequence started when Kalitta’s dragster suffered a left front tire failure just after the finish line, sending his vehicle across the centerline and into Stewart’s path. The resulting impact flipped Stewart’s Dodge Direct Connection Top Fuel dragster onto its side before it righted and struck the barrier forcefully. The situation escalated in severity when Stewart lay motionless, having been temporarily knocked out by the brutal impact.
I don’t have a damn clue, honestly. I honestly don’t remember any of it,
— Tony Stewart, Hall of Famer
The first thing I remember, they’re waking me up here. Not sure what happened, but it appears to have been pretty massive.
— Tony Stewart, Hall of Famer
Despite suffering a frightening crash, Stewart remained focused on recovery and a swift return to the track, sharing updates and optimism with his fans.
I’m sore today, but that’s to be expected,
— Tony Stewart, Hall of Famer
I can’t wait to get back to the track Friday and continue this amazing battle for a World Championship.
— Tony Stewart, Hall of Famer
By this week, Stewart was already on his way to Charlotte alongside Matt Hagan, set to drive their Dodge Direct Connection cars in the marquee event. The resilience demonstrated reflects his longstanding commitment to racing at the highest level, a testament to his Hall of Fame status and tenacity.
Implications for Stewart’s Championship Ambitions
The timing of the crash presented a grave challenge for Stewart’s campaign. Only recently had he captured the NHRA Top Fuel regular season championship, earning a $150,000 bonus at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, solidifying his place at the top. However, the aftermath of the Reading accident meant Stewart fell to second place in the standings, now just 18 points behind Doug Kalitta as the Countdown to the Championship intensifies.
The four-wide format at Charlotte, a first in NHRA playoff history, introduces fresh strategic and technical hurdles. At zMAX Dragway, with four cars accelerating side by side and nearly 50,000 horsepower unleashed per round, every move could decide critical points for the season champion. Stewart’s prior performance offers hope: in this spring’s four-wide meet, he advanced to the final, building on his momentum from his inaugural Top Fuel win in Las Vegas.
That Las Vegas victory was historic not only for Stewart but for the sport, signaling the successful crossover of a NASCAR icon to NHRA Top Fuel competition in 2024 with a lightning-quick 3.870-second run at more than 317 mph. Stewart and his team, Tony Stewart Racing Nitro, are again central to the championship picture as eliminations approach.
What Lies Ahead as Stewart Returns to NHRA Action
Tony Stewart’s rapid recovery and determination to re-enter the NHRA stage just days after a devastating crash illustrate both the risks and rewards in motorsports at this level. With the world championship still within reach, all eyes will be on zMAX Dragway as Stewart, Doug Kalitta, and Matt Hagan battle through eliminations on the sport’s biggest stage. Stewart’s story this season, marked by danger, comeback, and championship ambition, underscores why fans of both NASCAR and NHRA are closely watching as the next chapter unfolds at the Carolina Nationals in Charlotte.
Heading south to @zMAXDragway for another 4-wide event in Charlotte! @MattHagan_FC and @TonyStewart will be driving their #Dodge Direct Connection machines. #TSRnitro | #NHRA pic.twitter.com/0e8JdNl49d
— Tony Stewart Racing Nitro (@TSRnitro) September 16, 2025
