In a dramatic moment during the NHRA Reading Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania, Tony Stewart experienced a severe Top Fuel accident on Sunday, September 14, 2025. The Tony Stewart NHRA crash reaction emphasized his appreciation for safety teams, as he recognized the incident could have turned out far worse and credited medical staff with supporting his recovery.
The crash unfolded in the second round of eliminations after Doug Kalitta‘s dragster suffered a catastrophic failure in its left front tire while speeding across the track at 335.73 mph. This malfunction caused Kalitta’s car to veer out of control, crossing the center line and colliding with Stewart’s Dodge dragster. In the ensuing chaos, Stewart’s vehicle rolled onto its side and struck the guard wall, bringing the event to a sudden halt.
Details Emerge from Harrowing Top Fuel Collision
Both Stewart and Kalitta were left shaken by the impact, with Stewart later revealing he had no memory of the moment itself. He recounted regaining consciousness post-crash with a severe headache and a bruised left hand. NHRA medical professionals promptly evaluated Stewart after the collision and cleared him, underscoring the importance of advanced safety features in modern racing vehicles. Despite the frightening circumstances and a brief loss of consciousness, both drivers escaped with only minor injuries.
Tony Stewart Shares His Thoughts and Gratitude
The NASCAR legend later expressed public thanks to those who assisted him following the incident. On social media, Stewart highlighted the collective support he received and credited the rapid response from both the NHRA medical team and his fellow competitors.
“I just wanted to thank all of our fans, teammates, and most of all our racing family for checking on us yesterday. Wasn’t the day we had planned, but thankful to the @NHRA Safety Safari and Dr. Surface for making sure we did all the right things in that situation. It definitely could have been way worse. Everyone that climbs into a racecar knows it can happen at any moment, but it’s a great example of how we’re all human and how the entire racing community cares for each other. I’m sore today, but that’s to be expected. Can’t wait to get back to the track Friday and continue this amazing battle for a World Championship.”
— Tony Stewart, NASCAR Legend
Stewart also acknowledged the solid construction of his racing machine, crediting the engineering that helped keep both him and Kalitta safe. As the racing community responded with concern and encouragement, the event showcased the resilience and camaraderie among competitors.
SRX Series Sees Significant Change Shortly After Stewart’s Championship
In the days following his first NHRA Top Fuel regular-season championship, Tony Stewart saw his Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series assets enter a new chapter. The SRX series, formed with Ray Evernham and renowned for bringing together elite drivers in identical vehicles, transferred its tangible assets—including nineteen fully assembled cars and vital pit and event equipment—to GMS Race Cars. This transition marked an important shift in the racing scene.
While GMS Race Cars acquired the hardware, the SRX brand, trademarks, and media rights remained under separate control. The new owner plans to utilize the cars for track events and specialized driving experiences, continuing to showcase their durability without any formal affiliation to the SRX legacy.
“The SRX cars have a new “home” … GMS did not get any of the SRX branding, trademark or other rights but now has 16 race cars that it can use for events and driving experiences.”
— Bob Pockrass, Sports Reporter
Launched by Stewart and Evernham from 2021 through 2023, the original SRX series drew attention for featuring a diverse array of motorsport standouts competing under equal conditions across short tracks nationwide. These transitions demonstrate continual evolution within American motorsports, as series and assets shift hands while maintaining a focus on competitive spirit and innovation.
Impact on Racing Community and Next Steps
The incident at the NHRA Reading Nationals not only highlighted the ever-present risks involved in high-speed motorsport but also showcased the advanced safety technology and quick action by safety staff that helped prevent serious injuries. Tony Stewart’s response reinforced his gratitude for the teamwork and care present throughout the racing community, resonating deeply with fans, fellow drivers, and organizations like NHRA and NASCAR.
As Stewart recovers, anticipation builds for his return to the championship battle, while the sale of the SRX assets signals potential new opportunities for young drivers and racing enthusiasts to experience professional-grade vehicles. The legacy of Stewart, Kalitta, Ray Evernham, and others continues to shape the sport, and fans worldwide will be watching closely for what comes next in this remarkable chapter for drag racing and motorsport innovation.
I just wanted to thank all of our fans, teammates, and most of all our racing family for checking on us yesterday. Wasn’t the day we had planned, but thankful to the @NHRA Safety Safari and Dr. Surface for making sure we did all the right things in that situation. It definitely… pic.twitter.com/vE5Q8wtnKZ
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) September 15, 2025
The SRX cars have a new "home" … GMS did not get any of the SRX branding, trademark or other rights but now has 16 race cars that it can use for events and driving experiences. https://t.co/mZspmc05Mv
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 4, 2025
