On a recent episode of Joe Castello’s WFO Radio, Funny Car champion Matt Hagan reflected on his 53rd career win, the state of his team at TSR, and what it’s taken to stay competitive in one of the tightest eras of nitro racing.
With his 53rd NHRA Funny Car win officially in the books, Matt Hagan is continuing to cement his place among the sport’s all-time greats. On a recent appearance on WFO Radio with Joe Castello, Hagan looked back on his Hall of Fame-caliber career, but more importantly, gave fans a rare look into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that have reshaped his Tony Stewart Racing team over the last several months.
“Could I have imagined 53 wins? Never,” Hagan said. “When I was 12 or 13, I heard fuel cars take off in Bristol, and I never dreamed I’d be behind the wheel of one – let alone winning races, hoisting trophies, and doing it with a group of guys that pour everything into it.”
But staying on top hasn’t gotten any easier.
In a candid moment, Hagan acknowledged how competitive the class has become in 2025. “Back in the day, not to take anything away from Force or those guys, but it used to be about who had the biggest wallet. Now, with the rules, everything’s tighter, and it’s harder than ever to dominate.”
He tipped his cap to the current frontrunners, including Austin Prock and the Beckman-driven machine, but emphasized the countdown format gives teams like his a chance to peak at the right time. “That’s the beauty of the reset. We’re all fighting to be our best when it counts most, and that’s what we’re focused on.”
From Dickie to N: A Big Shift in the Braintrust
One of the biggest changes this year came with the departure of longtime crew chief Dickie Venables and the elevation of Mike “N” Knudsen – a move that had been brewing internally at TSR.
“N had been under Dickie for 15 years,” Hagan explained. “At some point, it was his time. He had an offer to go tune a dragster, and we all sat down – me, Tony, Leah, everyone – and figured out how to give N a shot while trying to keep Dickie involved somehow.”
Ultimately, Venables decided he wasn’t ready for a consultant role. “He still wanted to be a crew chief,” Hagan said. “So the decision was made. And yeah, it was hard. It felt like the wheels were falling off for a minute, and Tony had to make some tough calls.”
Despite the change, there’s no animosity. In fact, Venables reached out immediately after Hagan’s latest win. “He called and said he teared up watching it. That means a lot. He taught N everything he knows.”
Chemistry, Continuity, and the Phil Factor
A key addition to the team was veteran tuner Phil Shuler, who previously worked with Knudsen during their days on Spencer Massey’s Top Fuel dragster.
“Phil came in and said, ‘I’m not going to let you fail,’” Hagan shared. “That kind of support means everything when you’re taking the reins for the first time. It’s made all the difference. You can see it in how both teams are performing now.”
That synergy across the TSR camp is undeniable. Tony Stewart has found his stride in Top Fuel, and Leah Pruett – “boss lady,” as Hagan calls her – is helping steer the ship with her trademark focus and leadership.
“We’re all smiling, we’re all working hard, and it just feels good right now,” Hagan said. “Tony’s happy, Leah’s making big calls, and there’s a really nice flow to everything.”
Eyes on the Prize
With the Countdown fast approaching, Hagan knows the real battles are still ahead – but he also knows he’s got the right group behind him to make a serious run.
“We’ve got the chemistry. We’ve got the people. And when you have both of those – that’s when magic happens.”
This story was originally published on August 2, 2025. 
