The American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway delivered high-octane drama and historic milestones this past weekend, as Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan of Tony Stewart Racing experienced divergent but thrilling outcomes at one of drag racing’s most prestigious events.

This year’s Nationals carried extra weight, marking the 1,000th Top Fuel race in NHRA history. Drag racing icon Don Garlits, who won the very first Top Fuel event in 1963, presented a special trophy to Sunday’s winner, underscoring the moment’s significance.

For Tony Stewart, the event offered a chance to maintain his recent momentum. Fresh off a breakthrough Top Fuel victory at the Las Vegas 4-Wide Nationals, the NASCAR Hall of Famer entered Charlotte sitting second in the championship standings. Stewart’s Tony Stewart Racing Direct Connection Dodge//SRT^® dragster showed strong form throughout the weekend, qualifying eighth with a 3.711-second pass.

Stewart advanced cleanly through the opening rounds on Sunday, battling into the final quad of the historic 1,000th race. Facing heavyweights Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley, and Antron Brown, Stewart ultimately finished third—another impressive statement in his sophomore Top Fuel season that kept him securely in the second spot in the standings.

Meanwhile, Matt Hagan, racing under the banner of event sponsor American Rebel Beer, looked to defend his 2024 4-Wide victory and capture his first Funny Car win of 2025. Wearing special American Rebel livery on his Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car, Hagan came into the event fourth in points, working with new crew chief Mike Knudsen and co-crew chief Phil Shuler.

After winning his quad in Saturday’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge with a strong 3.99-second run, Hagan carried that momentum into eliminations. He powered through the first two rounds, laying down consistent low-3.90-second runs to reach the finals. There, he faced Austin Prock and Alexis DeJoria in a hard-fought showdown. Despite another strong 3.93-second pass, it was Prock who claimed the event win.

Even without the trophy, Hagan’s finals appearance reinforced his standing as a consistent championship contender as the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series moves forward.

Tony Stewart Racing’s presence in both Top Fuel and Funny Car final rounds wasn’t an accident. It was a testament to Stewart’s full-throttle commitment, heavy investment in talent and technology, and the performance-driven mindset that has propelled TSR to the forefront of NHRA competition in record time.

With Stewart emerging as a genuine Top Fuel title threat and Hagan continuing to show championship-caliber form, Tony Stewart Racing is poised for an exciting run toward NHRA glory in 2025.