Tony Stewart statement as he Clinches First NHRA Divisional Championship in Thrilling St. Louis Showdown
Tony Stewart has made his mark in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, securing his first divisional championship in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. Stewart captured the coveted title in dramatic fashion during the NHRA North Central Division race in St. Louis, where he defeated his season rival, Gary Pritchett, in a thrilling winner-take-all final round. The victory caps off an impressive season for Stewart, which saw him earn three wins, a runner-up finish, and a semifinal appearance in five events.
Heading into the race weekend, Stewart was 21 points behind Pritchett, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the Finals. With a decisive victory in the final round, Stewart leapfrogged Pritchett in the points standings, clinching the divisional championship. “This is redemption from last year at this same event, ” Stewart remarked after the race. “Last year, all we had to do was make it through the first round to clinch the division championship, but we had a problem, and our opponent had their best run of the season against us. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but coming back here and winning it all today is really special.”
Throughout the October race, Stewart’s performance was outstanding. He posted the low elapsed time (ET) in every round of eliminations, showcasing his precision and consistency. In the opening round,
Stewart was quick to credit his McPhillips Racing team for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. “We faced off against Gary in four out of five races, and being able to come out on top three times is incredible,” Stewart said. “Gary’s a tough competitor, and Randy Meyer’s team always does a great job. I’m really proud of my guys. They did an awesome job.” The close competition from Pritchett and Meyer’s team added another layer of excitement to the season, making Stewart’s title win even more significant.
Stewart’s championship season was marked by victories in Indianapolis, Columbus, Ohio, and St. Louis, along with a runner-up finish in Norwalk and a semifinal appearance in Bowling Green. His consistent performance throughout the year solidified his place as one of the top competitors in the division. The divisional championship comes just one year after Stewart finished second in both the North Central Division and the World Championship standings in 2023, demonstrating his continued excellence in the sport.
Stewart’s achievement in the NHRA is a testament to his adaptability and skill across different racing disciplines. While best known for his successful NASCAR career, Stewart has proven himself to be a formidable force in the world of drag racing, adding another title to his extensive motorsports resume. As he reflects on his victory, it’s clear that Stewart’s passion for racing continues to drive him to success, no matter the track or vehicle.
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