Tony Stewart, fresh off his victory in the Top Alcohol Dragster category at JEGS Speedweek, is geared up and ready to compete at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington. This marks the first stop of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ two-week long Western Swing.
Stewart, who recently triumphed over Gary Pritchett in the final round at National Trail Raceway, is now setting his sights on securing his first victory and No. 1 qualifier at the NHRA Northwest Nationals.
Discussing the upcoming races, Stewart emphasized the need to build on recent momentum.
“We’re just trying to keep building off the momentum that we’ve had the last couple weekends, even though we don’t have the results to show for it,” said Stewart. “It’s a work in progress and I’m still learning as a driver. Our team is still trying to figure out how to work around the variables that we seem to be fighting this year, so it’s just a work in progress. We don’t have a lot of time left before the playoffs to get where we need to be, so we’re pushing really hard. We tested to try to work on some things, so we’ve been working really hard.”
The NHRA has added a Friday night qualifying session, giving fans the unique experience of a night run under the lights at Pacific Raceways.
“I’m excited for the West Coast swing. I haven’t even been to Seattle yet, which I’m looking forward to,” he added. “I’m excited that the promoters were willing to do a fourth run and do a night session on Friday for the fans, so I’m really proud and happy to be a part of that. Going to Sonoma after Seattle will be great. It’s a place that I’ve had a lot of success and is one of my favorite racetracks. It will be a pretty neat weekend having had the opportunity run the road course in the past and now the dragstrip, so I’m excited for it.”
As a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion now making his mark in the NHRA, Tony Stewart continues to show his versatility and determination in motorsports.
This story was originally published on July 15, 2024. 
