Tony Stewart Racing is ready for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway . With Matt Hagan fresh off a milestone Funny Car victory and Leah Pruett continuing a strong return to Top Fuel competition, both teams have big expectations for this weekend’s race.
Matt Hagan’s 2026 season is already stacked with significance. His recent win at the NHRA Winternationals came in the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history and extended Dodge’s winning streak to 14 consecutive seasons. That victory also vaulted Hagan into a tie for the Funny Car points lead, putting the four-time world champion right where he expects to be.
Now, the series heads to a track where Hagan made his historic 3.99 pass.
“I remember making that 3.99-pass. We had been saving some parts and pieces towards the end of the season, and so I knew that we had some good stuff on the car,” said Hagan of his historic 3.995-second run in 2011. “It was one of those things where it was night, and it was cool, where you could see your breath. You always get those feelings when your crew chief kind of looks at you in there at you and before he turns the knob and walks away, like, ‘hold on, bud.’ That has stuck with me, such a special moment. To break into the 3.99-range in 1,000-feet, that was really cool, especially to do it at Charlotte.”
Now, he returns to Charlotte with a chance to add to that legacy. Hagan is chasing his fifth win at the facility and brings an impressive résumé in four-wide competition: 13 final quad appearances and three victories across 22 events.
“Winning in Pomona was great. Then you come into Charlotte, it’s my home track. It’s just such a great place,” Hagan said. “The Bruton Smith tracks, they’re always just top-notch. The facilities are great. The fans are great. I’ve got a lot of family and friends coming out, so we’re going to have a lot of support with us. I’m looking forward to it.”
While Hagan headlines the Funny Car effort, Leah Pruett continues to build momentum in Top Fuel after returning to competition in 2026. Currently sitting fifth in the standings, and within striking distance of the top, Pruett has already demonstrated race-winning capability. A No. 1 qualifier at Pomona, a runner-up finish in Phoenix, and consistent top-three qualifying efforts have put her firmly in the championship conversation.
“I feel pretty well prepared for this race. Just because I’ve been to all the 4-wides watching, and I actually saw way more racing when I wasn’t in the car than I ever had before; up there waiting for Matt or Tony to run, and really watching what some of my competitors do: who likes to be in early, or who is the most versatile? I took the opportunity to educate myself more, but I also used to wear recording glasses a couple of years ago, and I have an album in my phone titled ‘race car glasses’ that I can look back on. So, I feel prepared, and the quicker you can feel prepared, the more confidence that can come,” Pruett said.
Her approach reflects a blend of preparation and adaptability, two traits essential for success in the four-wide format.
“That’s the spot that I’m racing in right now. I’m looking forward to it. I know some racers hate it, and there are racers like (husband) Tony [Stewart] who absolutely love it, but I fall in the category of, you have a situation, you can’t change the situation, what you can change is your attitude about it. We have a premier track ahead of us, premier racing ahead of us, we are able to adapt to any situation, and we have the ability to go very far at this race. To be honest, it’s only three rounds you have to win on Sunday. We can do that.”
Both Hagan and Pruett will compete in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge during qualifying, which expands in four-wide format to include both semifinalists and quarterfinalists from the previous event. It’s another chance to gather data, build momentum, and gain an edge before eliminations begin.
Hagan is tied for the points lead and returning to a track where he’s already made history. Pruett is building momentum and closing in on the top of the standings. And the team as a whole continues to show the kind of consistency needed to contend for championships.
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