Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan Gear Up for the 2025 NHRA Gatornationals

The 2025 NHRA Mission Drag Racing season is set to kick off with a high-octane show at the NHRA Gatornationals from March 7-9, where Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) drivers Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan are eager to make their mark. The duo, driving the striking red-and-blue Direct Connection Dodge//SRT nitro-burning machines, are ready to tackle the 20-race national tour, bringing their legendary talent to Gainesville Raceway for the season opener.

Stewart, a NASCAR icon known for his competitive drive, is making waves in his fourth racing discipline—after successful stints in NASCAR, IndyCar, and USAC—by competing in Top Fuel drag racing. Joining the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster team, Stewart debuted in the NHRA last season and achieved impressive results, including two runner-up finishes. Stewart was also named Pro Rookie Driver of the Year and ended his first season ranked ninth in the standings.

Reflecting on his rookie year, Stewart is feeling more relaxed heading into the Gatornationals. “This year’s Gatornationals definitely takes some of the stress of being a rookie driver out of the equation,” said Stewart. “Having a year under my belt lets me go into Gainesville a little more relaxed than my rookie season.” He added that they’ve been refining the car’s setup during testing, focusing on performance issues from last season, and is determined to get his car into the winner’s circle.

On the Funny Car side, four-time NHRA World Champion Matt Hagan is also gearing up for a strong start to the season. After a successful test in Bradenton, Florida, where he clocked a solid 3.820-second pass, Hagan is optimistic about his new crew and car performance. For 2025, TSR’s Dodge//SRT Hellcat team has made several changes, with veteran Mike Knudsen stepping in as crew chief and Phil Shuler joining as co-crew chief. “Having a new crew chief is kind of exciting,” Hagan said. “I would love nothing more than to win a championship with him. Things are looking bright for the future.”

This year marks Hagan’s 18th season with Dodge, and he’s grateful for the long-standing relationship. “My family has been a Dodge dealer for 50 years!” he said, emphasizing his loyalty to the brand that has been with him throughout his career.

The NHRA Gatornationals are one of the most popular events on the drag racing calendar, with many sellouts in recent years. For fans looking to catch the action, Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying rounds will take place on Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8. Final eliminations will begin on Sunday, March 9.

As the 2025 NHRA season revs up, Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan are poised to give fans an exciting start to the year, with their sights set firmly on victory at the Gatornationals and beyond.