Tony Stewart Racing will debut two new red-and-blue Direct Connection Dodge//SRT dragsters at the NHRA Gatornationals from March 7-9. Drivers Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan are eager to start the 2025 NHRA Mission Drag Racing season with wins at Gainesville Raceway.
Stewart, piloting the Top Fuel dragster, and Hagan, driving the Hellcat Funny Car, look to leverage pre-season testing to launch their campaigns successfully. They will compete for victory after a rigorous off-season of preparation.
“Dodge is so proud to have Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan once again pilot our Direct Connection Dodge//SRT drag cars in NHRA competition,” said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. “Dodge holds a tremendous legacy in NHRA competition that reaches back for decades, and having two racing legends driving our Nitro cars is the perfect fit.”
This season marks Stewart’s second year in the NHRA Top Fuel division after transitioning from NASCAR and other motorsports. Last year, he secured two runner-up finishes, ranked ninth in the final Top Fuel standings, and earned the Pro Rookie Driver of the Year title.
Stewart’s Top Fuel debut occurred at last year’s Gatornationals, where he impressed competitors despite losing traction in the first round. He aims to build on that experience as he returns for his second season.
“This year’s Gatornationals definitely takes some of the stress of being a rookie driver out of the equation,” Stewart said. “Having a year under my belt lets me go into Gainesville a little more relaxed than my rookie season.”
Stewart also noted ongoing work on his car’s performance after facing issues last year. “I’m hoping that we get the needle moving in the right direction, and I’ll get this car into the winner’s circle,” he added.
Hagan’s team has undergone several changes, with Mike Knudsen now serving as crew chief. He expressed optimism about the direction of the team after a strong testing session in Florida, recording a solid 3.820-second pass.
“Having a new crew chief is kind of exciting,” Hagan said. “I would love nothing more than to win a championship with him. I told him the other day that we have a chance to start a legacy and build on what I’ve accomplished so far in the sport.”
Hagan praised his new crew members and reflected on his long-standing relationship with Dodge, highlighting his family’s history as a Dodge dealer. “This is my 18th year with Dodge, and it has been an incredible ride,” he said.
