At the NHRA New England Nationals, Tony Stewart, driving the Tony Stewart Racing Direct Connection Dodge Top Fuel car, made his fifth consecutive NHRA final appearance, maintaining his status as a top competitor. Although Stewart pushed the limits with speeds surpassing 330 mph, he narrowly lost by just inches to Brittany Force in an intense final race.
Strong Performance Throughout the Event Fueled Stewart’s Final Appearance
Stewart secured the second qualifying position with an outstanding 3.694-second run in the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT dragster. He advanced through the rounds by defeating Rit Pustari, Justin Ashley, and reigning World Champion Antron Brown. In the final, Stewart’s quick 0.049 reaction time off the line was met with Force’s superior speed above 340 mph, leading to her win by a mere 0.0074 seconds.
Points Lead Solidified by Consistent Victories and Skillful Teamwork
This fifth straight final propelled NASCAR Hall of Famer Stewart to extend his lead in the NHRA Mission Top Fuel points standings to 71 points ahead of Shawn Langdon. Earlier in the season, Stewart earned wins at NHRA events in Las Vegas and Chicago, reinforcing his dominance in drag racing. His collaboration with crew chief Neal Strausbaugh and co-crew chief Mike Domagala has been critical to the team’s sustained high performance.
Looking Ahead: Continued Pursuit of Excellence at Bristol Dragway
As the NHRA series moves to Bristol Dragway from June 6 to 8, Stewart and his team are focused on maintaining momentum and striving for victory. Their track record and determination make them formidable contenders in the competitive NASCAR landscape. Stewart’s confidence remains high as he aims to further solidify his lead and continue his impressive NHRA streak.
