GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Tony Stewart ended up within the NHRA winner’s circle to start out 2023 — as a workforce proprietor.

Stewart red-lighted within the second spherical of eliminations within the Prime Alcohol class Saturday, however the three-time NASCAR champion completed drag racing’s season opener with Matt Hagan, one in every of his drivers at Tony Stewart Racing, profitable the Humorous Automotive finale on the Gatornationals on Sunday.

Hagan coated the 1,000-foot strip in 3.926 seconds, simply sufficient to drive round JR Todd and depart Stewart hugging and high-fiving his workforce at Gainesville Raceway.

“Boss man’s completely happy,” Hagan quipped.

Stewart is starting his second season as an NHRA workforce proprietor. The 1997 IndyCar champion added to his storied racing resume by getting behind the wheel for a full season driving for McPhillips Racing in a decrease division.

Little went proper throughout his first two weekends in Gainesville: He misplaced within the opening spherical final week on the Child Gators, an NHRA regional occasion, after which bowed out sooner than a sellout crowd had hoped for on Saturday.

It was a stark distinction to his first skilled drag-racing occasion final October, when Stewart made the ultimate in his debut on the Nevada Nationals. He misplaced to varsity pupil Madison Payne by an inch – formally a distinction of .0002 on the clock.

Stewart hoped to get one other shot in Gainesville. However he settled for profitable with Hagan, who notched his forty fourth Humorous Automotive victory and fifth in two years with Stewart. This one moved him into fourth place in Humorous Automotive historical past, breaking a tie with Tony Pedregon.

It was Hagan’s second straight victory on the Gatornationals, an occasion that eluded him for the primary 14 years of his NHRA profession.

“To win back-to-back Gators, man, tried just about my total profession simply to win one,” he mentioned. “Tremendous particular deal.”

Mike Salinas received the Prime Gas division, with Troy Coughlin Jr. taking Professional Inventory and Gaige Herrera claiming Professional Inventory Bike.

Not one of the 4 reigning collection champions even made the semifinals. Brittany Drive (Prime Gas), Ron Capps (Humorous Automotive), Erica Enders (Professional Inventory) and Mike Smith (Professional Inventory Bike) had been upset within the first or second rounds Sunday.

Drive’s hassle was one in every of many for powerhouse John Drive Racing. Austin Prock (Prime Gas) had a difficulty on the beginning line; Robert Hight (Humorous Automotive) spun his tires early in his run; and John Drive (Humorous Automotive) received edged on the line.

For many years, Drive has been the game’s largest draw. However Stewart, who married Prime Gas driver Leah Pruett in 2021, has grow to be a fan favourite in a rush. It was noticeable by the cheers within the stands and the strains all through the storage.

“Once I signal on the T-shirt trailer, my line versus when Tony indicators, his line’s rather a lot longer,” Hagan mentioned. “He is nice for the game and now he is concerned in driving, so he is actually bitten by the bug. …

“You aren’t getting a golden goose fairly often, you understand what I imply? You bought to help it.”