The 2025 NHRA Mission Drag Racing season roars to life this weekend at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, and Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is coming in hot with two brand-new, red-and-blue Direct Connection Dodge//SRT nitro machines.

Piloting the Top Fuel dragster is NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart, entering his second season in the class, while four-time NHRA World Champion Matt Hagan will be behind the wheel of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car.

Matt Hagan, driver of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Funny Car, is marking his 18th year behind the wheel of a Dodge NHRA Funny Car.

For Stewart, the Gatornationals holds a special significance. It was here last year that “Smoke” made his Top Fuel debut, impressively beating Justin Ashley on the tree, considered the best leaver in the class, in the very first round.

While that race ended in a loss due to tire shake, Stewart went on to have a successful rookie season, scoring two runner-up finishes, finishing ninth in points, and earning Pro Rookie Driver of the Year honors.

“This year’s Gatornationals definitely takes some of the stress of being a rookie driver out of the equation,” Stewart admitted. “Right now, we are working on the performance of our car… I’m hoping that we get the needle moving in the right direction, and I’ll get this car into the winner’s circle.” He added.

Tony Stewart, the NASCAR legend and driver of the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster, will seek to begin his 2025 NHRA campaign with a victory at the NHRA Gatornationals, scheduled for March 7-9 at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway.

Hagan, meanwhile, enters the 2025 season with a revamped team. Veteran tuner Mike Knudsen takes over as crew chief, with Phil Shuler as co-crew chief and Alex Conaway as car chief. Early testing in Bradenton, Florida, has been promising, with Hagan clocking an impressive 3.820-second pass at 330 mph.

“Having a new crew chief is exciting,” said Hagan, who boasts 52 career NHRA national event wins. “With Dickie Venables (former crew chief), we made a lot of memories. I’ve also spent 15 years with Mike Knudsen. I would love nothing more than to win a championship with him.”

Debuting two eye-catching red-and-blue Direct Connection Dodge//SRT nitro-burning machines, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro drivers Tony Stewart (left) and Matt Hagan are ready to start the 2025 NHRA Mission Drag Racing season opener at the NHRA Gatornationals on March 7-9.

He also added, “This is my 18th year with Dodge. They have been so loyal to me, and we are very loyal to them.” Fun fact: His family has also been a Dodge dealer for 50 years.

The NHRA Gatornationals, known for its passionate fans and often sellout crowds, runs from March 7-9 at Gainesville Raceway. Nitro qualifying sessions are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with final eliminations on Sunday.