Nitro Titans Gear Up for Midwest Showdown: Tony Stewart Racing Primed for NHRA Playoff Push

As the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway for the NHRA Midwest Nationals from Sept. 27-29, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is primed for a pivotal weekend. The event marks the 17th race of the 2024 season and the third round of the Countdown to the Championship, the six-race playoff series. Both Tony Stewart (Top Fuel) and Matt Hagan (Funny Car) are battling for top spots in their respective categories, with Stewart making his first postseason appearance and Hagan vying for his fifth Funny Car title.

Nitro Titans Poised for Midwest Showdown

Stewart Seeks to Gain Ground in Top Fuel Playoff Chase

This weekend holds special significance for Tony Stewart, as it's his first time competing in the NHRA postseason. Currently eighth in the Top Fuel standings, Stewart trails leader Antron Brown by 174 points but remains optimistic heading into St. Louis after seeing progress in his car's performance. "We are one run at a time," Stewart noted. "The car has power and speed, we just have to control it. We've been making gains, and although we haven't put a full weekend together yet, we're getting closer. We just need to stay the course and avoid mistakes."Stewart will be racing with the iconic Rush Truck Centers livery on his Top Fuel dragster this weekend, a partnership that holds personal significance. "Rusty Rush is like a big brother to me," Stewart said. "We never got him to victory lane on the Cup side, so I'd desperately love to do that for him in St. Louis. He's been a great partner and an exceptional friend." With his sights set on making up ground in the playoff standings, Stewart is determined to deliver a strong performance and potentially secure his first NHRA postseason win.

Hagan Aims to Defend Funny Car Crown in St. Louis

In the Funny Car ranks, Matt Hagan comes into the NHRA Midwest Nationals with momentum after a runner-up finish in Charlotte. Currently fourth in the championship standings, Hagan is aiming to close the 153-point gap to leader Austin Prock as he looks to defend his 2023 St. Louis win. Hagan's American Rebel Beer Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car has been performing well, and the team is ready to push harder in St. Louis. "Having more performance following Charlotte is good, and being the No. 1 qualifier there was great," Hagan said. "We have to continue that into St. Louis. This Countdown is going to be tough, but we have nothing to lose and have to throw everything we've got at it."Hagan is no stranger to success in St. Louis, having claimed two victories and four runner-up finishes at the venue. Last year, he clinched the win with a 3.991-second run at 324.90 mph, defeating Ron Capps in the final. "We've had good luck at St. Louis, and hopefully, we can build on that momentum from Charlotte. We've got Dodge executives and our friends from American Rebel Beer attending, so I want to put on a great show for them," Hagan said. With his sights set on another Midwest Nationals triumph, Hagan is determined to close the gap in the Funny Car championship battle and solidify his position as a title contender.

TSR Brings Star Power and Insider Access to Midwest Nationals

In addition to the on-track action, fans can catch Stewart and Hagan for autograph sessions at the Tony Stewart Store merchandise trailer. Hagan will sign on Friday from 4:00-4:30 p.m., while Stewart will sign on Saturday from 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Hagan's crew chief, Dickie Venables, will also participate in Nitro School on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., providing fans a closer look at the inner workings of nitro cars.Stewart's wife, Leah Pruett, will also be making an appearance, joining the SpeedFreaks for an interview on Saturday at noon in the Budweiser Pavilion. This off-track engagement will give fans a unique opportunity to interact with the TSR team and gain insider insights into the high-octane world of NHRA drag racing.

Tune in for Thrilling NHRA Midwest Nationals Coverage

Fans can follow the action from the NHRA Midwest Nationals through the following TV schedule:Friday, Sept. 27: Qualifying show at 7:30 p.m. EDT on FS1Sunday, Sept. 29: Qualifying show recapping Saturday's action at 2 p.m. EDT on FS1Sunday, Sept. 29: Finals show at 3 p.m. EDT on FS1With the Countdown to the Championship in full swing, the NHRA Midwest Nationals promises to be a thrilling event as Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan look to solidify their positions in the playoff hunt. Fans can expect high-octane action, insider access, and the opportunity to witness the titans of nitro racing battle it out for the coveted Wally trophy.