Core Points - Dodge//SRT and Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) have announced a multi-year extension of their partnership to compete in the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series [1][2][7] - The partnership has been successful since its inception in 2022, with TSR achieving 16 NHRA national event wins and a Funny Car World Championship in 2023 [3][7] - Tony Stewart transitioned to driving the TSR Top Fuel dragster in 2024, while Leah Pruett, his wife, took a break to start a family [4][5][7] Company and Industry Summary - Dodge//SRT's partnership with TSR began in 2022, featuring nitro cars in Direct Connection colors [7] - The TSR team has recorded 13 wins in Funny Car with driver Matt Hagan and three wins in Top Fuel with Leah Pruett [7] - Tony Stewart, a former NASCAR champion, was named NHRA Rookie of the Year in his first season and finished ninth in the Top Fuel standings [5][7] - The TSR operation has become one of the top professional organizations in NHRA since its entry [6][7] - Dodge is launching the Dodge Motorsports Livery Shootout, allowing fans to vote on car graphics for the U.S. Nationals [12][13] - The Direct Connection portfolio offers high-performance products for Dodge vehicles, enhancing the brand's presence in motorsports [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) is set to debut two new Direct Connection Dodge//SRT nitro-burning machines for the 2025 NHRA Mission Drag Racing season, with drivers Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan expressing excitement for the upcoming 20-race national tour starting at the NHRA Gatornationals from March 7-9 [1][2][3]. Group 1: Team and Driver Highlights - Tony Stewart, a NASCAR legend, will drive the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster, while Matt Hagan, a four-time NHRA World Champion, will pilot the TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car [4]. - Stewart aims to build on his rookie season performance, where he achieved two runner-up finishes and was named Pro Rookie Driver of the Year [5][8]. - Hagan's team has undergone crew changes, with Mike Knudsen as the new crew chief and Phil Shuler as co-crew chief, enhancing the team's potential for success in the 2025 season [9][11]. Group 2: Performance and Preparation - Early testing for Hagan's Funny Car has shown promising results, with a strong performance clocking at 3.820 seconds and reaching speeds of 330 mph [10]. - Stewart has expressed confidence going into the Gatornationals, feeling more relaxed with a year of experience under his belt compared to his rookie season [7]. - The Gatornationals will feature qualifying rounds on March 7 and 8, with final eliminations on March 9, showcasing the excitement of NHRA competition [12]. Group 3: Brand and Legacy - Dodge CEO Matt McAlear emphasized the brand's rich legacy in NHRA competition and the significance of having racing legends like Stewart and Hagan represent the Direct Connection Dodge//SRT brand [5]. - The Direct Connection portfolio offers high-performance products for Dodge vehicles, developed by SRT engineers and backed by a Mopar warranty [14]. - Dodge continues to innovate in the performance sector, with plans for electrified muscle cars, including the next-generation Dodge Charger [17][18].