NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Coming off a monumental win in the Top Fuel ranks, Tony Stewart is back at zMAX Dragway for a race he has enjoyed immensely in his brief NHRA career, as the racing legend looks to pick up another four-wide win at this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.

Stewart is a self-declared fan of the unique four-wide setup, which provides the ultimate sensory overload with four nitro-burning machines racing at once and nearly 50,000 horsepower at once, delivering the ultimate spectacle in motorsports.

This weekend marks the only four-wide race of the year during NHRA’s 75th Anniversary season, and Stewart has enjoyed plenty of success in the format, previously advancing to the final quad in Charlotte and winning a four-wide race last year in Las Vegas.

That was his first career Top Fuel win, and his third came at the most recent race in Pomona this season, where Stewart handed Pro Stock powerhouse Elite Motorsports its first-ever Top Fuel victory. That was another major moment for Stewart in his NHRA career, but he sees plenty of potential and a bright future with his R&L Carriers dragster, with a chance for back-to-back wins on the season this weekend in Charlotte.

“All the ingredients are here,” Stewart said. “We’ve still got a lot of work to do, but to see these guys and see their progression, it’s awesome. It’s been great to race with them. This is not easy, we definitely know that, but it’s such a unique and great group of people at Elite Motorsports. To get Richard [Freeman, Elite Motorsports team owner] his first win in the nitro class, there are no words to express how much that means. It’s such a special deal and a cool feeling.”

For Stewart, competing during this milestone year means a great deal to him. His Tony Stewart Racing team remains as strong as ever, with his wife, Top Fuel standout Leah Pruett, back in the sport and Matt Hagan tied for first in points in the Funny Car ranks.

He’s now helping Elite Motorsports move into the nitro ranks, adding another standout car in the loaded field that also includes points leader and reigning world champ Doug Kalitta, Langdon, Pomona runner-up Justin Ashley, Antron Brown, Josh Hart, who won in Gainesville, Clay Millican, and rookie sensation Maddi Gordon.

A year ago, Stewart won twice and earned NHRA’s regular-season championship, and now he’s hoping for more big moments during a huge season in NHRA history.

“We’re honored to be part of NHRA’s 75th Anniversary. It truly is an honor. The camaraderie here in the pit area, it’s truly a large, large family, and we’re grateful to be here,” Stewart said.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 25 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 26. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 11 a.m. ET on Sunday with eliminations action at 7 p.m. ET to follow.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-3267.