Tony Stewart, known as “Smoke” for his aggressive driving and memorable burnouts, has once again expanded his legendary motorsports legacy. Famous for his bold declaration-“I’d wreck my mom to win a championship. I’d wreck your mom to win a championship!”-Stewart’s career has always been defined by his relentless pursuit of victory and his willingness to race anything with an engine.
A Career Built Across Disciplines
Stewart’s reputation was already secure with three NASCAR Cup Series championships, 49 Cup wins, and over 300 top-10 finishes across an 18-year NASCAR career. Yet, his curiosity and competitive spirit have continually driven him to seek new challenges beyond stock car racing. This drive led him to USAC, IndyCar, and, most recently, NHRA drag racing.
Making NHRA History in Las Vegas
In April 2025, Stewart made headlines by capturing his first NHRA Top Fuel victory at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With a blistering 3.870-second, 317.42 mph run, Stewart outran reigning champion Antron Brown and two other finalists to secure the win. This accomplishment made Stewart one of the very few drivers in history to win at the highest levels of NASCAR, IndyCar, USAC, and NHRA, further cementing his status as one of motorsports’ most versatile champions.
Insider Reactions: A Wild Nine-Word Verdict
The moment was so significant that even seasoned NASCAR insiders couldn’t hide their excitement. Kevin Harvick remarked, “And now, it’s a straight-line drag racing car,” highlighting Stewart’s adaptability. Mike Joy, another respected voice in motorsports, added, “He comes back and wins an IndyCar race.” The consensus was clear: Stewart’s achievement wasn’t just a personal milestone, but a moment of motorsports history. Joy summed up Stewart’s career with a wild nine-word verdict: “It would take us five minutes just to recite it.”
A Resume That’s Nearly Mythic
Stewart’s racing résumé now includes:
Three NASCAR Cup Series championships (2002, 2005, 2011)
An IndyCar title (1997)
USAC’s Triple Crown (1995)
USAC National Midget Series Championship (1994)
IROC champion (2006)
NHRA Top Fuel victory (2025) at age 53
This record has led to comparisons with all-time greats like AJ Foyt and Mario Andretti-drivers who, like Stewart, raced anything and beat everyone.
The Next Generation: Can Others Follow?
The article also explores whether current stars like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell can follow in Stewart’s tire tracks. Larson, already a NASCAR Cup champion and dirt track ace, is set to attempt the prestigious “Double Duty” at the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Bell, with his own USAC and NASCAR success, is seen as another potential crossover phenom. As Mike Joy noted, “There are others that could do it if the opportunities and the schedule presented themselves.”
Conclusion: A New Standard for Versatility
Stewart’s NHRA Top Fuel win has reignited the conversation about all-around greatness in motorsports. His relentless drive, willingness to embrace new challenges, and ability to win across multiple disciplines set a new standard for versatility in racing. As the spotlight now shifts to the next generation, Stewart’s legacy continues to inspire-and challenge-racing’s best to push beyond their comfort zones.
