Tony Stewart, the 54-year-old Hall of Fame NASCAR driver now competing in NHRA Top Fuel, experienced a significant crash during the 2025 NHRA Countdown to the Championship event held Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred in the first elimination round where Stewart was racing in place of his wife, Leah Pruett, following the birth of their son Dominic earlier this year.
Collision Details Between Stewart and Veteran Doug Kalitta
In a high-speed run against NHRA veteran Doug Kalitta, Kalitta won with a 335 mph finish. However, Kalitta’s dragster then veered across the center line after the left-front tire failed, resulting in a collision with Stewart’s dragster. Stewart’s car flipped briefly onto its side before returning to its wheels and crashing into the concrete barrier, while Kalitta’s vehicle crossed back over the center line and eventually stopped.
Both drivers were able to exit their vehicles, although Stewart took longer to climb out and moved slowly with assistance from safety workers. Despite the dramatic nature of the crash, no immediate serious injuries were reported.
Official Statement Confirms Driver Conditions After the Crash
An NHRA official statement confirmed,
“During the second round of Top Fuel eliminations on Sunday at Maple Grove Raceway, Doug Kalitta’s dragster crossed the center line past the finish line and collided with Tony Stewart’s dragster in the left lane.”
Further details explained,
“Stewart’s dragster went on its side, came back down on its wheels and struck the left guard wall before coming to a stop, while Kalitta’s dragster went back over the center line before coming to a stop. Both Stewart and Kalitta were alert and exited their cars under their own power. They were examined onsite by NHRA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Surface before being released.”
Stewart Shares His Perspective on the Crash and Recovery
Speaking to Fox Sports 1 after the wreck, Stewart admitted he does not remember the actual crash.
“I don’t have a damn clue, honestly,”
he said.
“I honestly don’t remember any of it. The first thing I remember, they’re waking me up here. Not sure what happened, but it appears to have been pretty massive.”
He added,
“Looking at Doug’s car and my car, I’m glad PBRC builds our cars, because we have safe race cars, obviously. I’m as curious as everybody else as to what happened. I just know that we’re not where we’re supposed to be at the end of a run here. So, just confused.”
Despite the harsh impact, Stewart reported only a headache and a hurt hand:
“I got one hell of a headache and banged my left hand up. But I’ve been through sprint car crashes way worse than this, I’m pretty sure. We’re good. We’re good. We’re fine. I promise we’re fine.”
Ongoing Implications for Stewart’s NHRA Racing Season
This crash highlights the physical risks Stewart faces continuing his NHRA Top Fuel career after transitioning from NASCAR. His quick recovery and positive update offer reassurance to fans and the racing community. Stewart’s ability to race safely in such a demanding sport, especially while supporting his wife Leah after their recent addition to the family, shows his resilience and dedication.
As the NHRA season advances, Stewart’s recovery status and performance in upcoming rounds will remain closely monitored by both his team and supporters across motorsports.
