Stewart and Hagan Look to Rebound at Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals

The NHRA Countdown to the Championship is nearing its end, and with just two races left on the schedule, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) heads to the Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals Powered by Direct Connection looking to bounce back and cash in.

The Texas FallNationals delivered more heartbreak than hardware, with both Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan falling short of expectations due to uncharacteristic equipment issues. But in true Dodge fashion, there’s no backing off, just wide-open throttle into the Vegas Strip.

Now in his second full season in NHRA Top Fuel competition, Tony Stewart continues to evolve as a fierce competitor in one of drag racing’s most demanding classes. While the FallNationals brought frustration with early-round struggles, Stewart and his Direct Connection crew remain focused and within mathematical reach in the Top Fuel standings.

On the Funny Car side, Matt Hagan, a championship favorite and one of the most decorated drivers in the class, saw his Round 1 exit in Texas triggered by a rare throttle stop sensor failure – a tough pill for a team that’s consistently delivered firepower all season. Hagan’s Dodge Charger SRT^® Hellcat Funny Car remains a contender, and Las Vegas offers a prime opportunity to tighten the championship battle heading into the Finals.

“We had a hiccup in Dallas, but this team doesn’t lose focus,” said Hagan. “Vegas is where champions step up, and we’ve got the car and the crew to make it count. With Dodge and Direct Connection behind us, we’re coming in loaded.”

Fans at The Strip can expect more than 330+ mph side-by-side action. The Direct Connection display returns to the midway with an arsenal of performance parts, and new product updates that prove the Dodge Brotherhood of Muscle is as strong off-track as it is at the tree.

As TSR battles for critical points, the Dodge camp knows this isn’t just another race, it’s a proving ground. With one last shot before the NHRA Finals, all bets are off in Vegas. Expect big numbers, bold moves and a brand built on horsepower refusing to let off the throttle.