Photos courtesy of Auto Imagery, NHRA
Tony Stewart Racing has promoted Mike Knudsen to crew chief for Matt Hagan’s Funny Car, with veteran Phil Shuler joining the team as co-crew chief for the 2025 season. This announcement follows Hagan’s successful run, which included three championships during his tenure with Knudsen.
Knudsen, who has been with Hagan since 2013, previously worked at Don Schumacher Racing before transitioning to Tony Stewart Racing in 2022. He has a rich history in Funny Car racing, beginning with Jim Head Racing and later collaborating with notable drivers at DSR.
“I’m really excited to take the next step in my career,” said Mike Knudsen. “Thank you to Dickie’s (Venables) mentorship, I feel very prepared to step into the crew chief role. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. Tony (Stewart) is the best owner in the NHRA, and we have a championship-winning team that’s led by Alex Conaway (car chief), also with Matt being a four-time championship-winning driver.
“I’m also excited to bring Phil on board. He and I have multiple years of experience working together at DSR. I feel we will really complement each other as co-crew chiefs. We’re excited to get the 2025 season underway and hunt down that fifth championship for Matt.”
Phil Shuler, joining Knudsen as co-crew chief, brings considerable experience to the team. His previous roles include assistant crew chief on Tony Schumacher’s Top Fuel operation and working with several successful cars at DSR.
“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to work with Tony Stewart Racing,” Shuler stated. “Mike Knudsen has always been a very sharp individual and has moved up the ranks. This is a well-deserved opportunity for him, and I’m excited to help him wherever I can.”
Since its formation in 2022, Tony Stewart Racing has secured 16 wins, with Hagan contributing 13 victories, including the team’s first Funny Car championship in 2023. Knudsen played a significant role in Hagan’s recent victory at the Texas NHRA FallNationals.
“First, I’d like to thank Dickie for all of his contributions at TSR,” team owner Tony Stewart said. “The call we made to elevate Mike Knudsen to the crew chief role is ultimately best for the dynamic of this team. He is a strong leader and great tuner, well-prepared to take on this new position.”
Multiple sources have indicated that Venables will likely end up at Kalitta Motorsports following the recent release of J.R. Todd’s co-crew chief, Todd Smith, on November 22. No official statement regarding this move has been confirmed by either team.
