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“I didn’t even know if I was coming back”: Tony Stewart candidly reflects on his ‘amazing’ NHRA season after birth of his son Dominic.

In a heartfelt tweet, Tony Stewart recently shared his reflections on his remarkable 2025 NHRA Top Fuel season, highlighting the profound changes in his life since becoming a father. Stewart and his partner, Leah Pruett, welcomed their son, Dominic James Stewart, on November 17, 2024, marking a new chapter for the racing legend.

A Stellar Season Unfolds

The 2025 season became one of Stewart’s most successful years on the track. He clinched the Top Fuel Regular Season Championship and reached the final rounds at pivotal events including Pomona, New England, and Indianapolis.

Achievements on the Track

  • First Top Fuel Win: Stewart celebrated a significant milestone by claiming his first Top Fuel victory at the Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals and followed it up with another win in Chicago.
  • Personal Records: He shattered personal bests with an elapsed time of 3.679 seconds and a top speed of 335.15 mph during an event in St. Louis.
  • Additional Wins and Honors: Stewart also triumphed in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge in Bristol and earned his first No. 1 qualifier position, further adding to an impressive season.

The Emotional Impact of Fatherhood

Reflecting on the journey over the past year, Stewart expressed a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude. He remarked:

“To sit there and think of a year ago when we went to Pomona for the finale, and I didn’t even know if I was going to be coming back on race day. Here we are, and Dominic’s a year old. To have the experience at the racetrack with him this season was something that we can’t even put into words. You can’t plan ahead and think about what it’s going to feel like; you just have to live it and experience it.”

This sentiment encapsulates how becoming a father has reshaped Stewart’s perspective both personally and professionally.

Consistent Scoring Across the Season

Stewart’s performance was steady throughout the season, contributing to his success in various championships:

  • Top Alcohol Dragster: Scoring 43 points in Bowling Green and 85 points in St. Louis, he achieved a total of 128 eligible points.
  • Top Fuel National Championship: His consistent scoring allowed him to end the year with 2364 points, propelling him to the forefront of the standings.

Highlights from Key Races

Stewart’s early races in Gainesville, Phoenix, and Pomona set the tone for a strong season. Strong finishes in Las Vegas, Charlotte, Chicago, and Epping further solidified his position as a top contender. He continued to excel in other major races, including Bristol, Richmond, Norwalk, Seattle, Sonoma, Brainerd, and Indianapolis.

Mixed Emotions at the US Nationals

At the Cornwell Tools US Nationals, Stewart experienced a mixture of pride and disappointment. While he felt proud to secure the Top Fuel Regular Season Championship, missing out on a win in his home state of Indiana weighed heavily on him. He reached his eighth career drag racing final, overcoming notable competitors like Steve Torrence, Kyle Wurtzel, and Jasmine Salinas, but ultimately fell to Justin Ashley in the final round.

Despite the setback, Stewart ended the event at the top of the regular season points standings, ahead of competitors like Shawn Langdon and Doug Kalitta. As the No. 1 seed heading into the Countdown, he also earned a $150,000 bonus for his exceptional performance.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

Tony Stewart’s 2025 NHRA Top Fuel season has been nothing short of transformative, fueled by both personal and professional achievements. As he reflects on the past year, the joy of fatherhood echoes through his racing journey, reminding him of what truly matters both on and off the track. With a solid foundation heading into the next season, fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for this racing icon as he continues to make history in the world of drag racing.

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