In a significant development for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) community, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) has announced a multi-year contract extension with Dodge/SRT, solidifying their partnership in the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series. This extension underscores TSR’s commitment to excellence and the enduring relationship between the team and the iconic automotive brand
A Legacy of Success
Since its inception in 2022, the collaboration between TSR and Dodge/SRT has yielded impressive results. The team has secured 16 NHRA national event victories—13 in the Funny Car category with driver Matt Hagan and three in Top Fuel with Leah Pruett. Notably, TSR clinched the 2023 Funny Car World Championship with Hagan behind the wheel, marking a significant milestone in their partnership.
Tony Stewart’s Deepening NHRA Involvement
Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has been expanding his footprint in the NHRA. In 2024, he made his debut in the Top Fuel class, taking over the seat from his wife, Leah Pruett, who stepped aside to focus on family. While Stewart is still pursuing his first Top Fuel victory, he showcased his driving prowess by securing the North Central Division Top Alcohol championship in 2024
Reflecting on the extended partnership, Stewart expressed his enthusiasm: “To have racing partners like Dodge/SRT, Mopar, and Direct Connection has been a great asset for our TSR team, as well as the entire drag-racing sport. It’s important to have strong OEM support in all forms of motorsports, and we are so excited to continue our involvement with the Dodge brand and Direct Connection on our Top Fuel dragster and Funny Car. I’m very appreciative of their support and looking forward to a great future with them in the winner’s circle.”
Matt Hagan’s Continued Dominance
Matt Hagan, a four-time Funny Car champion, remains a pivotal figure in TSR’s success. Entering his 18th season with Dodge/SRT support, Hagan has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of the sport. He was the first Funny Car driver to break the four-second barrier with a 3.995-second run in 2011 and has since set records by achieving 3.80-second runs and surpassing speeds of 330 mph and 335 mph at 1,000 feet. Hagan’s contributions were crucial in securing the 2023 Funny Car World Championship for TSR.
Expressing his excitement about the partnership extension, Hagan stated: “I’m so pumped up with Dodge/SRT extending its partnership with Tony Stewart Racing. It’s awesome to have the sustainability with such great sponsors like Dodge, Mopar, and Direct Connection. I am very excited about what our future holds with Dodge. This is my 18th season driving a Dodge/SRT Funny Car, and it’s great to have them supporting what we do. My family has been a Dodge dealer for 50 years, so it makes a nice circle. We can race on Sunday and sell on Monday.”
Dodge/SRT’s Commitment to Drag Racing
The extension of the partnership between TSR and Dodge/SRT reflects the brand’s dedication to drag racing and its commitment to supporting teams that exemplify excellence. The collaboration has not only elevated TSR’s performance but has also reinforced Dodge/SRT’s presence and influence in the NHRA circuit.
Looking Ahead
As the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series progresses, the extended partnership between Tony Stewart Racing and Dodge/SRT is poised to drive further innovations and achievements. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as TSR continues to build on its legacy, aiming for more victories and championships in the seasons to come.
This contract extension not only solidifies the bond between TSR and Dodge/SRT but also highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of partnerships in motorsports, where collaboration and shared vision propel teams to new heights.
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