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Tony Stewart And Matt Hagan Launch New Dodge//SRT Nitro Machines For NHRA Gatornationals Season Opener
Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan are set to showcase new red-and-blue Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Direct Connection Dodge//SRT designs at the NHRA Gatornationals. Stewart, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, will drive the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster in his second Top Fuel season from March 7-9 at Gainesville Raceway. Hagan, a four-time NHRA World Champion, returns to the event as a two-time winner in the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car.
Stewart's rookie year saw him achieve two runner-up finishes in 2024. He also won the North Central Division championship in the Top Alcohol Dragster category, marking his fourth racing discipline title. Meanwhile, Hagan's team has undergone changes for the 2025 NHRA tour with Mike Knudsen as crew chief and Phil Shuler as co-crew chief.
The 2025 NHRA Mission Drag Racing season kicks off with the Gatornationals on March 7-9. Stewart and Hagan are eager to start strong in their TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT vehicles following pre-season testing. "Dodge is so proud to have Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan once again pilot our Direct Connection Dodge//SRT drag cars in NHRA competition," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO.
Stewart's first Top Fuel race was last year's NHRA Gatornationals where he impressed by leaving the line ahead of Justin Ashley before losing traction. This year, Stewart feels more relaxed entering Gainesville with a year of experience under his belt. "This year’s Gatornationals definitely takes some of the stress of being a rookie driver out of the equation," he stated.
Hagan's team has seen several crew changes over winter. Veteran Mike Knudsen is now crew chief, with Phil Shuler as co-crew chief for Hagan's 11,000-horsepower Funny Car. Early testing showed promising results with a 3.820-second pass at 330 mph. "Having a new crew chief is kind of exciting," said Hagan.
Hagan expressed enthusiasm about working with Knudsen and Shuler, noting their potential to build on past successes. "Mike, Phil and Alex are all the real deal," he said. Hagan has been associated with Dodge for 18 years and values their long-standing partnership.
Event Schedule
The popular NHRA Gatornationals features Nitro qualifying rounds on March 7 at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and March 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., all EST. Final eliminations begin on March 9 at 10:30 a.m. EST. Fox Sports 1 will broadcast qualifying on March 8 at 8 p.m., followed by final eliminations on March 9 at 7 p.m.
The Direct Connection portfolio offers high-performance products for Dodge vehicles through online platforms and dealers like Dodge Power Brokers. These parts are developed by SRT engineers and come with a Mopar warranty for assurance.
Dodge Legacy
Dodge has maintained its performance legacy for over a century since John and Horace Dodge founded it. The brand continues to innovate with electrified muscle cars like the next-generation Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack while offering powerful models like the Durango SRT Hellcat.
Mopar represents Stellantis' genuine parts and accessories worldwide, evolving from its origins in antifreeze products to comprehensive vehicle care today. It supports both performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers with quality service and parts.
@DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram captures action from NHRA events featuring Dodge//SRT drivers like Stewart and Hagan alongside grassroots racers in various classes.
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