Tony Stewart is back in wine country and chasing a different kind of history.
The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion returns to Sonoma Raceway this weekend, not as a road course ace, but as a championship-contending Top Fuel driver – and he’s got his sights set on conquering both lanes of this storied venue.
Stewart, who’s piloting a Mobil 1-liveried dragster for the first time in 2025, enters the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals just 12 points out of the Top Fuel lead. And while he’s already made history this season – becoming the only driver to win on every property at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and complete the trifecta in Chicago – adding a win on the Sonoma drag strip would mark a new milestone altogether.
“Sonoma’s always been one of my favorite places to race,” Stewart said. “Having the opportunity to win there in a Cup car and now maybe in a Top Fuel dragster – that’d be something really special. It’s a different kind of victory lane, but I want that feeling again.”
Stewart made 18 NASCAR starts at Sonoma, winning three times – including his emotional 49th and final Cup Series victory in 2016. Now, in just his second career Sonoma NHRA start, the Hall of Famer is aiming to break through. Last year, he qualified 11th and advanced all the way to the final round before falling to Antron Brown.
This time, he’s bringing more momentum – and a striking new look with longtime partner Mobil 1.
“Everyone at Mobil 1 has been family for 14 years,” Stewart said. “Their support has been instrumental across our NASCAR, World of Outlaws, and NHRA programs. The fact that I never have to worry about the lubricants in our car says everything. They help keep us fast, and they protect our equipment. It’s the best kind of partnership.”
Sonoma marks Stewart’s 32nd Top Fuel start and the 12th stop on the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar. With the Western Swing wrapping up and the Countdown closing in, the time to capitalize is now.
This story was originally published on July 22, 2025. 
