Tony Stewart Returns to Full Time Racing

What’s Happening?

Former NASCAR champion and Hall of Famer Tony Stewart announced Tuesday that he will race a Top Alcohol Dragster for McPhillips Racing in 2023 with Mobil 1 as his primary sponsor. Stewart started an NHRA team in 2022 fielding Top Fuel entries in the dragster and Funny Car classes. That move came shortly after marrying long time Top Fuel racer Leah Pruett. The driver they call Smoke made his Top Alcohol debut last October at the Nevada Nationals where he finished second.

What you need to know

• Tony Stewart will race a full time schedule in NHRA’s Top Alcohol class for 2023.
• Despite owning his own NHRA team in both Top Fuel classes, Smoke will race for the McPhillips family team. His first ever drag race was in October 2022 for the same team.
• Stewart, a NASCAR Hall of Famer who has won championships in NASCAR, INDYCAR, and USAC, is now attempting to conquer a different motorsports discipline.

Smoke Rising: @TonyStewart returns to full-time racing in 2023: https://t.co/QYDAJ4us3R

— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) February 14, 2023

Main Characters

Tony Stewart, equity owner in NASCAR, USAC, and NHRA entries as well as the SRX series, knows how to create revenue for his sponsors. His NHRA announcement is no different as he makes partner, Mobil1 the highlight.

Can't wait 💪🏼 Ready to get behind the wheel for a full season in the @Mobil1 Top Alcohol Dragster for McPhillips Racing!@mobil1racing pic.twitter.com/oycehyffb0

— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) February 14, 2023

In his release, Stewart says “It’s nerve-wracking to try and do something different.” NHRA is starkly different from the curved races Smoke is used to, but the experienced racer says he is super excited about the season.

In the Stands

Many fans jumped on the news with excitement to see the consummate racer compete in a new discipline.

Motorsport fans joined in on the intrigue of seeing Smoke in full time again.

Tony Stewart has conquered so many series. Fans are very excited to see the tenacious competitor battle side by side once again.

On your Screen

David Land gives his thought on Stewart’s new “hobby” and how serious it has become.

From the Pressbox

SpeedFreaks brought back a “Smoke being Smoke” quote to describe the news.

THIS: Smoke got a taste and now he’s going full meal deal and running a season in the @NHRA @Lucas_Oil Drag Racing Series for McPhillips Racing. #LetsGo pic.twitter.com/yvY3HUkSLr

— SpeedFreaks (@SpeedFreaks) February 14, 2023

“It’s been like being a little kid all over again,” Stewart said. The consensus is that race fans love racers, and this move shows Tony Stewart loves to race.