AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Racing legend Tony Stewart may have been listed as a Top Fuel rookie driver this weekend in the 55th annual Amalie NHRA Gatornationals Sunday, but the NASCAR Hall of Famer looked like a veteran behind the wheel of the 11,000-horsepower Tony Stewart Racing Dodge//SRT Direct Connection dragster in his opening drag racing event.
Stewart’s Top Fuel debut was one of the most anticipated opening performances in the past decade in the Mission NHRA Drag Racing Series, and the driver known as “Smoke” was impressive all weekend despite limited testing entering the Gatornationals due to rain.
Stewart, a multi-time motorsports champion in the NASCAR Cup Series, NTT IndyCar Series and USAC competition, replaced his wife, Leah Pruett, in the cockpit of the popular red and black Top Fuel dragster as he entered his first Mission NHRA professional drag race with some apprehension in switching from a sportsman class in 2023 to the highly competitive nitro-burning Top Fuel category.
Despite being defeated in the opening round by Justin Ashley, Stewart recorded the quickest reaction time during Top Fuel eliminations Sunday with a 0.021.
Stewart left the starting line first (.021 to Ashley’s .031) and led at half-track before his machine and Ashley’s car both lost traction in the first race of the day. Stewart showed quick reflexes by adjusting the throttle and only losing a tight race at 4.453 to Ashley’s 4.414.
In addition, Stewart clocked strong qualifying runs in his debut showing with 3.725, 3.739 and 3.791 to place ninth entering Sunday’s elimination rounds.
“I’m extremely pleased with my first Top Fuel weekend, even with the first-round loss today,” said Stewart. “I cut an 0.21 light against the best leaver in the Top Fuel division, Justin Ashley, and beat him off the line. We were the first pair of cars down the track on Sunday morning, so we really didn’t know what to expect. I felt the tires start to shake and I pedaled the throttle. I got back into the pedal as quickly as I could.
“But Justin just nipped me at the line. I’m elated with how things went overall this weekend. I feel we showed a solid performance with the car and myself. There is zero shame in my eyes, even losing to Justin. Seven other guys went home after the first round too.”
As Stewart reflected on his inaugural Top Fuel event, he feels it was a positive learning experience and understands it’ll be an uphill battle going forward.
“As a rookie in Top Fuel, I hope I gained the respect of the other competitors in the class. I feel I was consistent with my starting line procedures,” Stewart said. “I have learned a lot from Leah and Matt (Hagan) with these nitro cars. Making that first qualifying run Friday afternoon was the most nerve-wracking for me.
“Going from the alcohol car (2023) to the Top Fuel car is similar to going from a Busch (stock car) to a Cup car. The cars are different, but the procedures are the same for me. I’m not leaving here (NHRA Gatornationals) thinking I know everything about Top Fuel racing. I know it’s going to be a long learning process. It’s a tough situation for Leah not being in the car right now, but she has been the best coach for me. I would have liked to advance further today, but that’s racing and I’m still learning with each run down the track.”