6 days ago
Tony Stewart's NHRA Top Fuel Car Explodes At Norwalk: Driver Shares Update
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NASCAR legend Tony Stewart has provided an update after his Top Fuel car exploded during his first qualifying run at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at Norwalk, Ohio.
As he took on Shawn Langdon in qualifying, Stewart got off the line only for his engine to explode. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was able to avoid crashing into the barriers and exited the dragster without assistance.
"I'm going to be babysitting everybody's kids and mowing everybody's yards before this is over," Stewart said to the media.
"It's been a tough day for us. I'm proud of our Dodge Direct Connection team. To sit there after Q1 and get it put back together and get us ready for Q2 here.
Fox host Tony Stewart looks on during the NTT IndyCar Series109th Running Of The Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Fox host Tony Stewart looks on during the NTT IndyCar Series109th Running Of The Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana."Great effort by these guys. Proud of our guys. It's just we're going to have to sit and figure out what the hell is going on. This shit is getting expensive real quick."
He also shared an update for his fans on social media, writing:
"It's been an expensive day. After a huge explosion during our Q1 pass, my Direct Connection team got it all back together for Q2, throwing down a 3.755 ET @327.11 MPH to put us in the provisional 3rd qualifying position, but banged the blower. We'll get things sorted out and be back at it tomorrow at 12pm for the Mission Foods US #2Fast2TastyChallenge."
It's been an expensive day. After a huge explosion during our Q1 pass, my #DirectConnection team got it all back together for Q2, throwing down a 3.755 ET @327.11 MPH to put us in the provisional 3rd qualifying position, but banged the blower. We'll get things sorted out and be… — Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) June 28, 2025
Stewart went on to qualifying in third behind Justin Ashley and Antron Brown, respectively. John Force Racing driver Brittany Force qualified just behind Stewart in fourth.
Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals: Top Fuel Qualifying results