Tony Stewart is focused on securing another victory as he competes at the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping, New Hampshire, marking the seventh race of the season. Tony Stewart aims NHRA win with TSR at Epping as his team continues to build momentum and confront challenges on the track.
For the 2025 season, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) arrives at New England Dragway with strong anticipation. The team fields two entries: Tony Stewart pilots the Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster, while Matt Hagan drives the Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Funny Car. Both drivers are well poised to make an impact on the 20-race NHRA schedule.
Stewart’s Current Form and Past Performance at New England Dragway
Tony Stewart enters the New Hampshire race as the leader in Top Fuel points, a position earned through steady and impressive performances earlier in the season. He has earned two wins, including a recent victory at the Route 66 Nationals in Chicago, helping him maintain consistent momentum.
Over the first six races, Stewart has reached the final round four times in a row and holds a 12-2 win-loss record. This event marks his second Top Fuel appearance at New England Dragway, improving on a previous run that ended in the second round in 2024.
Matt Hagan carries a notable history with the New England event, standing as its most accomplished competitor. Hagan has captured four wins and holds three No. 1 qualifying positions at this venue, solidifying his reputation as a formidable contender.
Tony Stewart Reflects on Team Goals and Ongoing Effort
Ahead of the NHRA New England Nationals, Stewart addressed the team’s focus and expectations, emphasizing the importance of continued improvement. He expressed realistic awareness that despite success, there remain areas to refine.
“We realize that it’s great to win the race and it’s great to have the points lead, but at the same time, we know that we still have work to do. Our focus going into Epping is to just continue to try to improve our program… We’re just going to keep pushing forward and keep putting in the hard work.” —Tony Stewart, Top Fuel Driver and Team Owner
Stewart’s statement underscores TSR’s commitment to steady progress rather than complacency, with an emphasis on pushing the limits of their competitive edge at each event.
Overview of Tony Stewart’s Motorsport Legacy
Known widely as “Smoke,” Tony Stewart has enjoyed a storied and diverse career across multiple motorsports disciplines. He first rose to prominence by clinching the 1997 IndyCar Series championship before transitioning to NASCAR, where he amassed three driver championships. Beyond driving, Stewart later achieved an owner’s championship title with Stewart-Haas Racing in 2014.
His experience now spans sprint cars and drag racing, highlighting his adaptability and competitive mindset, which he brings to TSR’s NHRA efforts this season.
Introspective Look at Stewart’s Past Attitudes and Growth
In a reflective conversation on Kenny Wallace’s podcast, The Kenny Conversation, Tony Stewart opened up about challenges from his past, revealing a more personal side behind his racing intensity.
Stewart admitted that his relentless focus on winning sometimes conflicted with his relationships, and he expressed regret for not always treating others with kindness during his NASCAR career.
“I was so intense with racing. I was so on edge all the time. There were a lot of things I didn’t like about NASCAR. A lot of things I didn’t like how they did things. I didn’t like how a lot of it was done. But while I was there, I mean, all I cared about was winning racism. What we had to do, and I was not a good person to people. I just wasn’t,” he said [00:50]. —Tony Stewart, Racing Driver
Despite his successes, Stewart acknowledged that if given the chance, he would focus more on being a better person off the track, recognizing the value of kindness alongside competition. This candid admission adds depth to the public’s understanding of his competitive drive and personality.
What Lies Ahead for TSR at Epping and Beyond
As the 2025 NHRA season continues, TSR’s performance at the New England Nationals will be a crucial test of their resilience and development. Tony Stewart’s leadership and Matt Hagan’s proven track record at New England Dragway position the team as serious contenders in Epping.
With Stewart holding the points lead and the team determined to refine their program, the upcoming races will be critical for establishing momentum in the championship chase. TSR’s commitment to learning from past challenges while building on early season success could define their path forward in the years ahead.
