Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Makes Bold Moves Ahead of 2025 NHRA Season
As the 2025 NHRA Silly Season heats up, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is making waves with a series of key changes designed to keep the team at the forefront of drag racing. With its track record of success since its debut in 2022, TSR is poised for another exciting year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Led by racing legend Tony Stewart, the team is adapting to a shifting landscape while retaining its competitive edge.
Tony Stewart: A Return to the Driver’s Seat
After an impressive rookie season in 2023, Tony Stewart is set to continue his journey in the NHRA’s premier Top Fuel category. Piloting the *Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster*, Stewart captured widespread attention in his debut season, earning the prestigious NHRA Rookie of the Year honors. The multi-time NASCAR champion and team owner is ready to build on that momentum, eager to push his team further up the ranks in 2025.
Stewart’s entry into the NHRA ranks was nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating his versatility and talent in the highly technical and demanding sport of drag racing. His continued presence at the wheel ensures that TSR remains a formidable force in Top Fuel competition.
However, there is a bittersweet aspect to the upcoming season. Stewart’s wife, Leah Pruett, who is also a star driver for TSR, will remain sidelined for the 2025 season following the birth of their first child, Dominic, 
Mike Knudsen Takes the Helm as Crew Chief
In another important development, TSR has made a major move behind the scenes with the promotion of veteran tuner Mike Knudsen to the role of crew chief for Matt Hagan’s Funny Car team. Knudsen, who has been a key figure in Hagan’s success since 2013, is well-versed in the nuances of the Funny Car category and has been instrumental in helping Hagan secure three NHRA championships during their time together.
This promotion comes after an incredible 2023 season, during which Hagan clinched his fourth career Funny Car title under the TSR banner. The duo’s combination of experience and expertise is expected to bring even greater success as TSR shifts to a new era. The 2023 season was a landmark year for TSR, marking the team’s first-ever Funny Car championship. Knudsen’s promotion is a clear sign of confidence in his ability to lead Hagan’s team into the future.
Tony Stewart acknowledged the significant contributions of outgoing crew chief Dickie Venables, expressing gratitude for his work in helping the team reach the pinnacle of success in 2023. Venables’ departure marks the end of an era, but Stewart was quick to emphasize that the decision to promote Knudsen is in the best interest of the team.
“First, I’d like to thank Dickie for all of his contributions at TSR,” Stewart said. “Many may question the change, but as a team owner, you’re often faced with tough decisions. Promoting Mike Knudsen is ultimately what’s best for this team. I’m very proud of him, and I’m excited to see what he and Phil (Hagen, Hagan’s lead mechanic) can accomplish together.”
TSR’s Continued Success: A Look Back and Forward
Since its inception just two years ago, Tony Stewart Racing has made an undeniable impact on the NHRA. With 16 total wins, including 13 from Matt Hagan’s Funny Car, TSR has quickly established itself as a championship-caliber organization. Hagan’s fourth Funny Car title in 2023 was a crowning achievement, solidifying the team’s position among the elite in the NHRA.
As TSR prepares for 2025, the team’s blend of experienced veterans and rising stars is a recipe for continued success. Stewart’s leadership, coupled with the technical expertise of Knudsen, ensures that TSR will remain a top contender in both Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. The team’s commitment to excellence is evident in every decision, and the 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in TSR’s meteoric rise.
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