Stewart chases important win at Summit Nationals

NORWALK — Tony Stewart has seen it all. In many ways, the motorsports icon has also just about done it all. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is halfway through the third season of his transition to a Top Fuel dragster on the NHRA circuit. Stewart was named Rookie of the Year at the age of 53 in 2024 and was the regular season champion in Top Fuel last season. He entered this weekend's NHRA Summit Nationals in fourth place in the standings to start the second half of the season at Summit Motorsports Park. But the most difficult part of the transition had nothing to do with the physical aspect or the car itself for Stewart. "The hardest part was getting my mind to catch up with the car," said Stewart before the first round of qualifying Friday at Summit. "Everything was happening so fast, and when I would get asked what happened on that run, I couldn't tell them. "But now, I'm able to break down a four-second run for about 15 or 20 minutes. It just took laps, took experience, and took some great teachers." Like any driver, Stewart wants to win every time down the track. But it's hard to acknowledge the desire to win in Norwalk. Stewart is driving the R+L Carriers car for his Tony Stewart Racing team. One of the large service centers for the freight shipping and logistics company is located just a few hundred feet away from Summit's dragstrip on Ohio 18. "Hopefully all the pieces come together this weekend and we can get them another win," Stewart said. "We want to win every weekend for R+L, and there's definitely an added bonus when we get to do it with guests over the weekend, but I wouldn't call it pressure. "It's just another reason for us to go out and do our best, put on a good show." Stewart said while a win is always the goal, where it really matters is in the pit area and the hospitality tent. "Getting the chance to talk to employees, customers and executives is big," he said. "Creating those relationships and making sure they are all having a good time, getting an autograph, getting to ask questions and seeing the operation up close — that's where the pressure is." As someone who has driven just about every type of race car and truck and has been at tracks of all sizes and types, Stewart has seen his share of small-city venues across the U.S. The Norwalk stop is among the smallest in terms of cities on the NHRA tour. What has caught Stewart's eye in his ventures to the local dragstrip? "Honest answer, the Bader family," he said. "What they are able to do, the show they are able to put on and how they promote it really is one of a kind. The fans show up here; there's always a line to get in, and I think that's a testament to what Bill Bader, his family and their staff have created here." Stewart is the only driver to win championships in the NASCAR, IndyCar and open-wheel USAC divisions. He is in six different halls of fame for his accomplishments. He first entered the NHRA competition by fielding entries in Top Fuel with his wife, Leah Pruett, driving, as well as Matt Hagan in a Funny Car. In 2024, Leah stepped away from driving duties as the couple welcomed their first child, Dominic, that November. With a runner-up finish and five semifinal rounds, Stewart earned his Rookie of the Year award. Last season, he claimed two Wally trophies in Las Vegas and Chicago, added three runner-up finishes to win the regular season championship, and finished fifth in the year-end points standings. Stewart is coming off a semifinal finish at the Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tenn., two weeks ago. He got off to a strong start on Friday in Norwalk. He went 3.81 seconds at 324.28 miles per hour for the third-fastest time in the first qualifying session. Stewart cranked that up to 3.77 seconds at 335.07 MPH in the second qualifying session. He narrowly trails Shawn Langdon and is in the No. 2 spot entering Saturday's two rounds, which begin shortly after 12 p.m. "I'm working with some of the best in the business," Stewart said. "For Richard Freeman to put together this team starting with Mike Green and Joe Barlam, it really is a unique and fun place to work. But beyond that, it's a winning organization. "Three races in, to have gotten our first Wally together already, that speaks for itself." There's still a lot of racing left to do, however, starting this weekend. "But I feel good with this team," Stewart said. "I feel good about where we're at, and I have a lot of confidence in them. They give me a great race car every run, and I just need to do my job. "When all the pieces come together, we're dangerous."