During the Reading Nationals event on September 14, 2025, NHRA fans witnessed a severe crash involving Tony Stewart and Doug Kalitta, two prominent Top Fuel drag racers. The incident occurred in Round 2 after Kalitta suffered a front left tire malfunction just after the parachutes deployed, resulting in a violent collision with Stewart’s dragster. Despite the intensity of the wreck, both drivers were unharmed and exited their vehicles under their own power.
Stewart, the 54-year-old driver who recently secured the regular season championship, was competing against Kalitta when the accident unfolded. Kalitta achieved a winning time of 3.787 seconds at a speed of 335.73 mph, narrowly beating Stewart’s 3.809-second run reaching 326.71 mph.
Details and Visuals of the Crash Released
Kalitta’s team shared video footage of the crash on social media, showcasing the scale and violence of the impact. The malfunction of Kalitta’s front left tire triggered the collision as both racers were approaching the finish line, making it challenging to slow down or avoid each other. The NHRA later provided additional footage highlighting the harsh nature of the wreck, emphasizing the difficulty drivers face in safely stopping their vehicles after high-speed runs.
Rd. 2 : @Doug_Kalitta and the @MacTools38 Top Fuel Dragster runs a 3.787 at 335.73mph for the win over T. Stewart’s 3.809 at 326.71mph. A front left tire malfunction causes Doug to crash into Tony Stewart. Both drivers get out under their own power. #ReadingNats @mobil1racing… pic.twitter.com/RwZOn6BBsq
— Kalitta Motorsports
Stewart’s Uncertainty Following the Impact
Following the wreck, Tony Stewart expressed confusion about the event, stating a lack of memory from the moment it happened onward. When asked about the crash, Stewart admitted he was still trying to comprehend the severity of the situation, referencing that it appeared quite significant and that he was surprised by the outcome. His comments reveal the disorienting nature of such high-speed crashes, even for experienced racers.
I don’t have a damn clue, honestly. I don’t remember any of it,
—Tony Stewart, via Kelly Crandall of RACER
The first thing I remember, they’re waking me up here. Not sure what happened. It appears to be pretty massive. … I’m as curious as everybody else is 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.
—Tony Stewart, via Kelly Crandall of RACER
Comparing NHRA Wrecks to Sprint Car Crashes
Although the crash was intense, Stewart noted it was not his worst collision while racing, hinting at his history with sprint car accidents, which can be extremely severe. Sprint car wrecks often result in serious injuries such as broken bones and fractured spines. Stewart’s experience in sprint car racing gives him perspective on the dangers involved in motorsports at all levels.
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.
—Tony Stewart
The Emotional Toll on Veteran Racer Tony Stewart
At 54 years old, Stewart is no stranger to the risks of racing, but such violent incidents serve as reminders of the sport’s dangers. Video from the NHRA showed Stewart visibly shaken immediately following the collision. While he managed to walk away, concerns remain about potential head injuries, as he mentioned difficulty recalling the details of the wreck. Fans and officials alike hope for a complete physical and mental recovery for Stewart.
Tony Stewart’s reaction underscores how even the most seasoned drivers can be overwhelmed after such impactful crashes, emphasizing the inherent risks of drag racing and the resilience required to continue competing at elite levels.
Implications for NHRA and Future Events
The crash between Stewart and Kalitta at the Reading Nationals highlights the unpredictable nature of Top Fuel drag racing, where equipment failures at extreme speeds can lead to dramatic consequences. Both drivers’ safety and quick recovery are top priorities for the NHRA community. This incident may prompt teams and organizers to review vehicle safety measures, especially regarding tire performance and failure prevention.
Looking ahead, fans will closely follow how Tony Stewart and Doug Kalitta recover and prepare for upcoming NHRA events, while the racing world remains reminded of the sport’s high stakes and demanding conditions.
