When Tony Stewart left Joe Gibbs Racing to partner with Gene Haas and form Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009, skepticism clouded his move. Yet, defying expectations, Stewart clinched the All-Star Race victory that very year, solidifying his decision. A recent conversation with SpeedFreaks on YouTube had Stewart reminiscing about that pivotal moment, which set the tone for his successful journey driving the No. 14 Chevy.
Throughout his time at Stewart-Haas Racing, Stewart, originally from Columbus, Indiana, helped build a legacy. The team, which switched to Fords in 2017, accumulated 69 NASCAR Cup Series wins and 28 NASCAR Xfinity Series victories before ceasing operations after 2024. Among these triumphs was Riley Herbst’s championship win at Phoenix Raceway in November 2024.
Post-SHR, Gene Haas established the Haas Factory Team in 2025, headquartered in Kannapolis, North Carolina. This new team aims to make its mark in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series, adding a fresh chapter to Haas’s motorsport ventures.
Last weekend, Tony Stewart further expanded his motorsport success by securing a win against reigning world champion Antron Brown at the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Four-Wide Nationals. This victory at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway marked Stewart’s first NHRA national event win, showcasing his versatility across different racing disciplines.
Currently ranked second in the NHRA standings, Stewart trails Shawn Langdon by a mere 16 points, eagerly preparing for his next event at the Z-Max Dragway, scheduled for April 27 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. This race, named the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, holds special significance as the 1000th Top Fuel event.
Tony Stewart’s career, illustrious with achievements across NASCAR, IndyCar, USAC, and now NHRA, continues to inspire. Having been part of NASCAR’s 50th anniversary, Stewart appreciates the weight of historic milestones. His fans, eager to witness his continued success, can expect to see him in action on NHRA.tv from 11 am EST, reinforcing his enduring impact on the racing community.