The 56th annual NHRA Gatornationals will officially launch the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season this weekend at Gainesville Raceway. Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan, representing Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) and Dodge Direct Connection, are eager to hit the track in their Top Fuel and Funny Car entries, respectively.
The Gatornationals, one of the most prestigious events on the NHRA calendar, runs from March 7-9. Fans can catch all the action live on NHRA.TV, with FS1 providing television coverage throughout the weekend. Nitro qualifying begins Friday afternoon, followed by an action-packed Saturday featuring the All-Star Top Fuel Callout. Sunday’s eliminations will determine the first winners of the 2025 season.
For Tony Stewart, this event marks his 21st career Top Fuel start and his second appearance at Gainesville. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion made a significant transition to NHRA competition in 2024, finishing ninth in the Top Fuel standings and earning the NHRA Rookie of the Year title.
“Last year, I had to learn a Top Fuel car and go up against the best in the class,” Stewart said. “The competition is tough, so having a year under my belt lets me go into Gainesville a little more relaxed than my rookie season.”
Despite his rapid progress in the drag racing world, Stewart admits his team still faces challenges. TSR utilized preseason testing in Bradenton and Gainesville to fine-tune their setup ahead of the season opener.
“We need all the testing and track time that we can get,” Stewart said. “I’m just hoping that we get the needle moving in the right direction and get this car going down the racetrack again.”
Matt Hagan, a four-time Funny Car champion with 52 career wins, enters 2025 on an impressive streak. He has won at least one event in each of the past 12 seasons –the longest active streak in NHRA professional categories. Hagan has also tasted success at Gainesville, winning the Gatornationals in 2022 and 2023.
Hagan is also adjusting to a new crew chief duo this season, with Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler taking over tuning duties.
“I had almost 15 years with Dickie Venables, and we won a lot of races together,” Hagan said. “But I’ve also spent 15 years with Knud, watching him work his way up. I told him we have a chance to start a legacy with what he’s doing.”
Preseason testing in Florida gave Hagan confidence heading into Gainesville.
“We rolled out of Bradenton with smiles on our faces and a lot of data to work off of,” Hagan said. “I’m hungry for success. My lights are great, the car is running great, and I’m excited to get to Gainesville.”
Hagan’s long-standing partnership with Dodge continues into its 18th season, making it one of the most enduring relationships in the sport.
“Dodge has been so loyal to me, and we’re very loyal to them,” Hagan said. “My family has been a Dodge dealer for 50 years, so it’s a great connection. We race on Sunday and sell on Monday.”
This year’s Gatornationals will also set the stage for the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge of 2025. The semifinalists from Gainesville will rematch during qualifying at the next event in Phoenix, with extra points and prize money on the line.
Fans will have multiple chances to meet Stewart, Hagan, and fellow TSR driver Leah Pruett throughout the weekend. The trio will sign autographs at the Dodge display in the pits and at the Tony Stewart Store merchandise trailer. They will also participate in a Friday press conference and a special Gatornationals Fan Fest event on March 5 at Burnyzz Speed Shop in Ocala, Florida.
Another highlight of the weekend is the Darrell Gwynn Track Walk on Sunday morning, benefiting the Darrell Gwynn Chapter of the Buoniconti Fund. The walk raises awareness for spinal cord injury prevention and support for those living with paralysis.
