Congratulation and Tony Stewart Statement as he Wins NHRA Rookie of the Year Award: A Notable Achievement in a Landmark Season

Tony Stewart Wins NHRA Rookie of the Year Award: A Notable Achievement in a Landmark Season

While Tony Stewart may still be chasing his first Top Fuel event win in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the three-time NASCAR Cup champion secured a significant victory off the track this week. Stewart was named the NHRA Rookie of the Year, a prestigious honor that highlights his strong debut season in the drag racing series.

The announcement came on Monday during the NHRA’s annual awards ceremony in California, where Stewart edged out a talented field of rookies across various classes. The NHRA Rookie of the Year Award is voted on by national motorsports media, who consider several factors when making their selections. These include the number of events a driver participates in, their performance on and off the track, participation in NHRA promotions, and their relationships with fans, sponsors, and the media.

Stewart, who competes for his self-owned team, Tony Stewart Racing, was up against a competitive rookie field that included Pro Stock drivers Brandon Foster, Sienna Wildgust, and Derrick Reese; Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Richard Gadson; Funny Car pilot Daniel Wilkerson; and fellow Top Fuel racers Jasmine Salinas and Ida Zetterstrom. Despite the tough competition, Stewart’s accomplishments throughout the season earned him the nod from the media voters.

The 53-year-old Stewart, a well-known figure in motorsports thanks to his successful NASCAR career, entered the NHRA Top Fuel scene as a part-time competitor,

filling in for his wife, Leah Pruett, who sat out the season to start their family. Over the course of the season, Stewart showcased his talent and perseverance, finishing ninth in the final Top Fuel standings. He made it to the semifinal round five times, reached two final rounds, and posted a 17-20 record in elimination rounds.

One of Stewart’s most memorable moments of the season came at the final event of the year at Pomona. There, he advanced to the semifinal round before being eliminated by Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta. That day was particularly special, as it also marked the announcement of Stewart and Pruett’s first child. In addition, Stewart posted a career-best run of 3.688 seconds at 334.73 mph, underscoring his growing competitiveness in the Top Fuel ranks.

Stewart’s candidness and availability to the media throughout the season also earned him bonus points in the eyes of the voters. His engagement with fans and the broader NHRA community helped solidify his reputation as a rookie who was not only talented but also invested in growing the sport.

While Stewart’s performance on the track was impressive, his off-track contributions also played a key role in securing the Rookie of the Year Award. “It’s a big honor to win this award this season,” Stewart said. “There are some great drivers in the NHRA and it’s one of the most diverse forms of motorsports I’ve been a part of. I’ve had a really good time working with the series this season to promote and continue to grow the sport.”

Stewart’s win is a testament to his adaptability and passion for racing. While his journey in NHRA is just beginning, his Rookie of the Year win signals a promising future in the sport, and his continued involvement is sure to help elevate the NHRA’s visibility among motorsports fans around the world.