91

NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Front ImageBack Image

The motorsports world celebrates Tony Stewart’s first Top Fuel win

Tony Stewart earns his first Top Fuel Wally — and the 999th in NHRA history — in a moment that has fans and racers alike raising a toast.
16 Apr 2025
David Kennedy
Feature
The motorsports world celebrates Tony Stewart’s first Top Fuel win

Tony Stewart’s first Top Fuel win at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas didn’t just mark a personal milestone — it sent waves through the entire motorsports community. With decades of success across NASCAR, IndyCar, and USAC, Stewart’s journey to the top of drag racing’s most intense category has been one of grit, patience, and undeniable talent.

But here’s the kicker: Stewart’s Wally wasn’t just his first in Top Fuel — it was also the 999th Top Fuel Wally awarded in NHRA history. And that has fans and fellow racers celebrating like it’s the end of a millennium. From social media shoutouts to congratulatory messages in the pits, the reaction was electric. NHRA legends, NASCAR champions, and grassroots racers alike tipped their hats to "Smoke" for joining one of the most elite clubs in motorsports. After all, how many drivers can say they’ve won at every professional level of racing held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway — and now in one of the most unpredictable drag racing formats: four-wide?

Stewart’s path to victory included sharp reaction times, clutch performances, and a masterclass in focus during high-pressure rounds. His final pass of 3.870 seconds at 317.42 mph was enough to edge out Antron Brown by just eight feet at the finish line. Fans watching at home — and thousands more at the track — erupted as Stewart pulled into the winner’s circle at the top end, Wally in hand. It was a moment of validation, not just for Stewart, his wife, Leah, his team, and teammate Matt Hagan, but for every motorsports fan who has watched him transition from stock cars to straight-line stardom.

This wasn’t just a win. It was history. And with the 1,000th Top Fuel Wally now just one race away, Stewart’s victory adds an unforgettable chapter to NHRA lore. The party’s on for No. 999 — and the whole racing world is invited.