CONCORD, N.C. — Coming off a monumental win in the Top Fuel ranks, Tony Stewart is headed to zMAX Dragway for a race he’s enjoyed immensely in his brief NHRA career, as the racing legend looks to pick up another four-wide win at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.
Stewart is a self-declared fan of the unique four-wide setup, which provides the ultimate sensory overload with four nitro-burning machines racing at once and nearly 50,000-horsepower at once, delivering the ultimate spectacle in motorsports.
This weekend marks the only four-wide race of the year during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season and Stewart has enjoyed plenty of success in the format, previously advancing to the final quad in Charlotte and winning a four-wide race last year in Las Vegas.
That was his first career Top Fuel win and his third came at the most recent race in Pomona this season, where Stewart handed Pro Stock powerhouse Elite Motorsports its first Top Fuel victory.
That was another major moment for Stewart in his NHRA career, but he sees plenty of potential and a bright future with his 12,000-horsepower R&L Carriers dragster, with a chance for back-to-back wins on the season this weekend in Charlotte.
“All the ingredients are here,” Stewart said. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but to see these guys and see their progression, it’s awesome. It’s been great to race with them. This is not easy, we definitely know that, but it’s such a unique and great group of people at Elite Motorsports. To get Richard (Freeman, Elite Motorsports team owner) his first win in the nitro class, there’s no words to express how much that means. It’s such a special deal and a cool feeling.”
For Stewart, competing during this milestone year means a great deal to him. His Tony Stewart Racing team remains as strong as ever, with his wife, Top Fuel standout Leah Pruett, back in the sport and Matt Hagan tied for first in points in the Funny Car ranks.
He’s now helping Elite Motorsports move into the nitro ranks, adding another standout car in the loaded field that also includes points leader and reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, Langdon, Pomona runner-up Justin Ashley, Antron Brown, Josh Hart, who won in Gainesville, Clay Millican and rookie sensation Maddi Gordon.
A year ago, Stewart won twice and earned NHRA’s regular-season championship and now he’s hoping for more big moments during a huge season in NHRA history.
“We’re honored to be part of NHRA’s 75th anniversary. It truly is an honor. The camaraderie here in the pit area, it’s truly a large, large family and we’re grateful to be here,” Stewart said.
Funny Car’s Austin Prock swept the four-wide races last year and the back-to-back world champ will look to get on track against the likes of Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd, class newcomer Jordan Vandergriff, Alexis DeJoria and Gainesville winner Chad Green.
Dallas Glenn powered his way to his first Pro Stock world title in 2025 and won last season’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals when he defeated KB Titan Racing teammate and six-time champ Greg Anderson, 2026 Gainesville winner Matt Hartford and Eric Latino.
Pro Stock Motorcycle returns in Charlotte after last racing at the season opener in Gainesville. Six-time world champ Matt Smith won at his home track last season when he defeated reigning world champ Richard Gadson, two-time champ Gaige Herrera and veteran Steve Johnson. Gadson opened 2026 with a win and will face off against the likes of Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo, John Hall and Chase Van Sant.
