Tony Stewart, a celebrated figure in auto racing, provided a candid Tony Stewart NHRA crash update after his high-speed accident during last Sunday’s eliminations at the NHRA playoff opener in Reading, Pennsylvania. Despite the serious nature of the incident, Stewart combined humor and perspective as he discussed his recovery and next steps in the midst of the NHRA Countdown to the Championship.
Stewart Addresses Scary Crash with a Dose of Humor
Stewart, currently competing in NHRA drag racing following his illustrious NASCAR career, spoke openly on the Dale Jr. Download podcast regarding his frightening wreck. The accident occurred during the playoff race when competitor Doug Kalitta’s vehicle crossed the center line after a mechanical failure and collided with Stewart’s 330-mph Top Fuel dragster. The impact sent Stewart’s car sliding on its side for more than 100 feet before finally landing upright. Despite the severity of the crash, both Stewart and Kalitta emerged without major injuries.
After the incident, Stewart exited his damaged vehicle under his own power but appeared shaken, leading to concerns from fans and fellow drivers. Earnhardt later addressed the slow movements Stewart made exiting his dragster, noting that Stewart headed to the medical center for examination and was subsequently released.
I don’t move super-fast anyway on a good day,
Stewart, racing Hall of Famer, said during his podcast appearance. Demonstrating his typical approach to adversity, Stewart maintained his trademark sense of humor throughout the discussion.
I mean, I felt like somebody had literally dropped a 15-pound bowling ball off the top of a large step ladder right on top of my head for about six straight hours. But that got better, and here we are three days after it, and I just feel like a telephone pole walking around. Like all the muscles are tight and sore.
Stewart, racing Hall of Famer
The crash at Reading marked the first major wreck in Stewart’s nearly two-year tenure piloting a Top Fuel dragster. Hoping this will be his only such incident in the series, Stewart reflected on his long history with crashes across racing disciplines.
We’ve had bad wrecks in Cup cars and Xfinity cars and sprint cars,
Stewart, racing Hall of Famer, remarked. He emphasized resilience and the importance of returning to the driver’s seat to aid recovery.
I mean, that’s the way you feel the next day. But the best thing you can do is just get right back in the car. That’s what loosens it up.
Stewart, racing Hall of Famer
Looking ahead, Stewart confirmed he will continue his NHRA campaign as he returns to his 12,000-horsepower dragster for the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina. He previously secured a third-place finish at that venue during the spring 4-Wide race.
Championship Hopes Remain as Standings Shift
The aftermath of the Reading wreck affected the NHRA Top Fuel championship race, with Stewart moving from the top of the standings to second place, trailing Doug Kalitta by just 18 points. This points deficit has added further intensity to the remaining five races in the NHRA Countdown.
Stewart’s personal and professional life continues to evolve, as last week he announced his impending exit from the Top Fuel dragster following the season. Stewart intends to hand the wheel back to his wife, Leah Pruett, who took a hiatus after the 2023 season to focus on family following the birth of their son, Dominic, last November. Pruett, who finished third in the Top Fuel standings in 2023, has been eager to return to competition and pursue her first championship, currently serving as a test driver for Stewart.
Despite the upcoming transition, Stewart remains very much in the race for the 2024 Top Fuel title. Securing the championship this year would cement his legacy as the only driver to claim titles in IndyCar, NASCAR Cup, USAC Midgets, the USAC Triple Crown, and, previously, the IROC and Superstar Racing Experience series.
The upcoming race at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte will be critical for Stewart as the playoffs continue, with fans and analysts watching closely to see how he rebounds from his crash and pushes forward in contention for yet another major title. Stewart’s approach, blending determination and humor, continues to shape his journey and provide a view into the resilience required to compete at the highest levels of auto racing.
