Tony Stewart’s NHRA journey took off in dramatic fashion, as the seasoned motorsports champion confronted unexpected challenges and emotions in his transition from NASCAR to drag racing. Entering the world of NHRA racing in 2022, Stewart’s early experiences left him feeling overwhelmed and rethinking his initial ambitions, despite his impressive background in racing.
Launching Into Drag Racing: An Unforgettable First Experience
Before making headlines in NHRA, Tony Stewart was a four-time champion with titles including three NASCAR Cup Series crowns, the 1997 IndyCar championship, and induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020. Yet, despite more than two decades competing at the highest levels, Stewart’s first foray into NHRA left a lasting impact.
Stewart recalled testing his wife Leah Pruett’s 11,000-horsepower Top Fuel car, marking a stark departure from anything he had experienced before:
“Everybody’s been asking that the last six months since I ran Vegas in the fall,” he said. “I don’t have any. Going back to that test session. I went and ran a test in Leah’s car with Don Schumacher, which was the dumbest thing I’ve ever done in my life… you’re driving a car that can run 330 mph. I went 318 that first test and the car was so far ahead of where my brain was.”
— Tony Stewart, NASCAR Hall of Famer
When asked about the mental strain, Stewart added:
“There’s so many things that could go wrong. But if you’re not on top of it, you’re never going to catch it. It’d be bad and I realized that when I left, I finally was like, “This is crazy.” Cuz when we started driving different cars, you just work up to it. You just run part throttle or this and that. It doesn’t work that way in drag racing,” Stewart added (55:15 onwards).
— Tony Stewart, NASCAR Hall of Famer
Adapting to New Challenges and Finding His Place
Encouraged by Leah Pruett and crew chief Neal Strasbaugh, Stewart attempted the Top Fuel dragster, but he immediately sensed the immense risks and physical demands. After his initial run, Stewart began to question whether he was truly suited for the car, admitting he was unprepared for the violence and speed of the experience. He stepped away from Top Fuel, believing he was not cut out for that level of competition.
However, his perspective shifted when he took part in a Top Alcohol test session. Stewart accepted an offer from McPhillips Racing to drive a Top Alcohol dragster, giving him a more gradual learning curve. Through testing, he became familiar with operating a 275-mph car, focusing on vital skills such as staging, shutting down, and surviving the car’s challenging opening moments on the track. This methodical approach allowed him to fully immerse himself in the discipline of drag racing without being overwhelmed.
Rapid Ascent in the NHRA: Stewart’s Growth and Accolades
Stewart’s move to NHRA quickly turned into a must-watch storyline. With his championship pedigree and high profile, his every move in the NHRA world attracted attention from fans and competitors alike. He made his Top Alcohol debut at Las Vegas in 2022, and within a year, his progress was evident. Stewart claimed victory at the 2023 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, earning acclaim as both the Top Alcohol Driver of the Year and Person of the Year. His readiness to adapt was further demonstrated when he switched back to Top Fuel, reaching the finals in Sonoma in 2024.
The 2025 season marked a major breakthrough as Stewart made the final in Pomona Winternationals, won the regular season, and earned two key victories in Las Vegas and Chicago. Achieving his first No. 1 qualifier at Bristol, Stewart underscored his ability to master a new discipline despite his earlier doubts.
Looking Ahead: Racing as a Family Team
Looking to 2026, Tony Stewart will enter a new chapter by partnering with Elite Motorsports. His wife, Leah Pruett, after stepping away from racing to give birth to their son, will return to full-time competition. The couple will compete together under the Tony Stewart Racing banner, making their joint debut in the upcoming NHRA season. For Stewart, this new partnership blends personal ambition with family pride, uniting championship-caliber talent and deep personal ties on the professional drag racing stage.
Tony Stewart’s NHRA journey stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability, as a racing legend faced significant doubts and overcame them through commitment and hard-earned skill. As he and Leah Pruett prepare to race together, fans can anticipate another milestone in the evolving legacy of Tony Stewart and Tony Stewart Racing in the world of drag racing.
