Tony Stewart made headlines this weekend at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, achieving two significant career milestones in Top Fuel drag racing—both milestone “firsts” that mark a breakthrough season for the former NASCAR champion.
First up, Stewart clinched the No. 1 qualifying position in Top Fuel for the first time in his burgeoning career in the category. During Saturday’s qualifying sessions, he posted an impressive 3.755-second pass at 325.77 mph—just enough to edge out the competition under tricky track conditions . This accomplishment not only secured a prime starting spot for elimination rounds, but also signaled ongoing growth and consistency as Stewart continues to find his footing among NHRA’s elite.
But Stewart wasn’t done there. In the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, a bonus intra-qualifying shootout offering extra prize money and championship points, Stewart once again shined. He first advanced past Doug Kalitta—bringing an end to Kalitta Motorsports’ perfect streak in the challenge this season—with a blistering 3.803-second final-run time at 324.05 mph . Not only did this mark Stewart’s inaugural win in the challenge, but it also added a vital boost in points and confidence, as he succeeds where he had previously fallen short.
Looking back on the weekend, Stewart acknowledged the significance of these achievements. He praised his team’s relentless effort, emphasizing that their work has yielded a more dependable and consistent machine. Reflecting on the dual successes—his first-ever low qualifier and challenge victory—Stewart said, “For our team it’s a huge accomplishment. We keep checking boxes off … We’ve got tricky conditions out here,” and adding, “I feel like our program is just getting stronger and stronger” .
These wins come on the heels of Stewart’s recent dominance at previous races, including his victory at the Route 66 Nationals, underscoring an upward trajectory in his Top Fuel campaign . With this momentum behind him, Stewart enters Sunday eliminations as a genuine threat—not just a contender—for an NHRA Top Fuel victory in Bristol.
In short, Tony Stewart’s weekend at Bristol was nothing short of historic: he not only captured his first No. 1 qualifying spot but also secured his initial Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win, symbolizing a career-defining leap forward in his transition from NASCAR star to Top Fuel frontrunner.
