Motorsports icon Tony Stewart claimed his second victory in three races at the 25th annual Route 66 NHRA Nationals, defeating Justin Ashley in the final round. With this win, Stewart moved to the top of the NHRA Top Fuel points standings for the first time in his brief career.
Joining Stewart on the winner’s stage were past NHRA champion Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and two-time reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle titleist Gaige Herrera.
Stewart recorded a time of 3.777 seconds at 329.10 mph in his Rinnai dragster. This victory marks the fourth consecutive final round for Stewart, who advanced past Terry Totten, Shawn Reed, and Steve Torrence to reach the championship showdown against Ashley.
“You’ve got to believe we’re real now at this point,” Stewart said. “I’m very grateful and it’s nice we’ve got a consistent car.”
Ashley reached the finals for the second time this season after defeating Brittany Force, reigning world champion Antron Brown, and No. 1 qualifier Doug Kalitta.
Beckman secured the Funny Car victory over his John Force Racing teammate, reigning world champion Austin Prock, in a close final round. Beckman won on a holeshot, posting a time of 3.935 seconds at 325.77 mph.
“Every win is great … but winning here in Chicago … is as good as it gets,” Beckman said. The victory was Beckman’s second of the season and 37th of his career.
Prock, who advanced to his third straight final, recorded a quicker time at 3.933 seconds but fell short. He remains the Funny Car points leader.
Herrera extended his undefeated streak at Route 66 Raceway, defeating Matt Smith in the final with a time of 6.777 seconds at 198.90 mph. It’s Herrera’s third consecutive victory at Route 66 Raceway and second of the season.
“The final was fun. … I had a great reaction time and we came out on top,” Herrera said. He also leads the Pro Stock Motorcycle points standings.
Smith advanced to the final round for the third consecutive race, defeating Wesley Wells, Jianna Evaristo, and Steve Johnson. He currently sits second in the points.
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will resume May 30-June 1 with the NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway in Epping, N.H.
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