Tony Stewart Shines at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals
Source: NHRA
Exciting Performances at Route 66 Raceway
The NHRA was abuzz this past weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 Nationals taking place at Route 66 Raceway. Fans witnessed remarkable performances, particularly by former NASCAR star Tony Stewart, who continued his impressive streak in Top Fuel.
Stewart’s Performance This Weekend
Tony Stewart, driving his Rinnai dragster, showcased his talent and determination throughout the event:
- Stewart advanced to the semifinals after narrowly defeating Shawn Reed.
- His semifinal match-up against Steve Torrence was particularly thrilling—Stewart clocked a commendable 3.762 to secure his spot in the finals.
- With this finish, Stewart has marked his fourth consecutive final round appearance.
In his post-race comments, Stewart emphasized the difficulties of the race, mentioning that he had to “pedal it twice” to handle the challenges of the track but managed to emerge victorious.
Key Match-Ups from Top Fuel
In the intense Top Fuel rounds, Stewart’s path to the finals was marked by several noteworthy match-ups. Notably, he faced off against the formidable drivers:
– **First Round**: Stewart defeated Shawn Reed after both drivers experienced tire issues.
– **Semifinal Round**: He triumphed over Steve Torrence, a fellow championship contender.
This performance significantly narrows Stewart’s points gap behind the current leader, Shawn Langdon.
Highlights from the Funny Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle Categories
The event wasn’t just about Tony Stewart. The Funny Car category witnessed its share of drama:
- Jack Beckman made a stunning recovery from an initial tire slip to win against Cruz Pedregon, propelling him into the finals alongside Austin Prock, who ousted Matt Hagan in a close race.
- Pro Stock Motorcycle featured a showdown between Matt Smith and Gaige Herrera, promising an action-packed final round.
The competition across various categories highlighted the high stakes and thrilling moments typical of NHRA events, captivating fans both online and at the venue.
Major Takeaways from the Race
As the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals concluded, here are a few major takeaways:
– **Tony Stewart’s Ascendance**: With multiple back-to-back finals, Stewart is gaining traction in Top Fuel.
– **Record-Breaking Performances**: The cool conditions at Route 66 Raceway set the stage for some impressive runs, with many drivers achieving their best times.
– **Competition Level**: The depth of talent in the NHRA continues to rise, producing nail-biting races and unexpected outcomes.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, NHRA fans can expect intense competition as the series progresses. With Stewart positioned well in the ranks and various drivers on the rise, the next events promise to be explosive.
For continued updates and details from the NHRA, fans are encouraged to check out the event schedules and results published on official NHRA platforms.
Tags:
Tony Stewart, NHRA, Route 66 Nationals, Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock Motorcycle, racing, drag racing, motorsports, competition