At the NHRA New England Nationals, Tony Stewart solidified his position at the top of the Top Fuel standings, achieving a second-place finish. Although Stewart reached the finals and put up competitive times, he was ultimately bested by Brittany Force. Meanwhile, Matt Hagan, a former champion at this event, faced an early exit in the Funny Car category.
Race Performance and Key Statistics
During qualifying, Stewart posted an impressive best run with a 3.694-second elapsed time (ET) and a top speed of 330.55 mph in the fourth qualifying session, securing his runner-up position in Top Fuel. Hagan recorded a fastest time of 3.893 seconds at 333.74 mph but was eliminated in the opening round by Spencer Hyde. Despite Hagan’s early departure, Stewart’s consistent performance highlighted his competitiveness this season.
Championship Standings and Upcoming Challenges
Tony Stewart has made it to five consecutive finals this year and currently leads the Top Fuel points standings by 71 points, reinforcing his status as a leading title contender. In contrast, Matt Hagan sits fourth in the Funny Car standings, trailing Austin Prock, the points leader, by 95 points. Both drivers now turn their focus to the upcoming NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, scheduled for June 6-8, where they hope improved track conditions will provide opportunities to enhance their results.
Prospects Looking Ahead to Thunder Valley Nationals
Stewart’s consistency and strong finishes continue to position him as a frontrunner in the championship race. Hagan, meanwhile, faces the challenge of regrouping strategically after his early elimination, aiming to improve his standing as competition intensifies at Thunder Valley. The upcoming event will be pivotal for both drivers as they seek to leverage their recent experience on the track to gain an advantage in the series.
