What a wonderful day today. It was everything we could have hope for. Some heavy hitters went out early and we were able to capitalize on this weekend. I don’t think we ran the best out there. We had some issues like the fuel pump falling off the car because the top end was so bumpy. We went through three fuel pumps. We ran out of tires too. We stole some stuff from Leah’s (Pruett) team, and we have a great group and everyone worked together today. It feels like a family at TSR. Tony has tried to instill that this group of guys and they are really a part of something special. We have established a legacy in the sport with the races and championship we have won. We know we are trying to get TSR its first championship and we know it is possible. Today speaks volumes when you go back-to-back in Funny Car. And to win six races in a season is incredible.
It’s so hard win one race in Funny Car. This class is dog eat dog. Robert (Hight) won eight races last year and that is remarkable. My goal this year was to win six to eight races. We always say you have to win two races in the Countdown to have a shot at the championship. And it’s still super close now. Losing that race to Robert (Hight) at Maple Grove really hurt because it was so close (0.001).
We have to be on the front side of the races and Dickie (Venables – crew chief) and the guys have been doing that the last two races. What an amazing weekend for TSR. I’m super proud of Leah. Winning on a holeshot in the final too. When you do that, you feel amazing as a driver contributing to the team.
I can’t say enough about Tony Stewart. He is a great driver, team owner and person. It’s easy to get caught up in the races, wins, championships that you have to step back and enjoy the moment too. All glory goes to God. You wake up in the morning and ask to have a great day. And we had a great day. You can’t ask anymore than that. We really truly rose to the occasion today.”
- Earned No. 6 provisional qualifying position in Q1 on Friday (4.731 ET at 321.70 mph)
- Earned No. 2 provisional qualifying position in Q2 on Friday (3.848 ET at 319.24 mph)
- Scored two bonus points for second-quickest run of the session
- Maintained No. 2 qualifying position based off Friday’s Q2 run. In Q3 on Saturday, Hagan ran a 3.959 ET at 267.48 mph.
- Secured No. 5 qualifying position based off Friday’s Q2 run. In Q4 on Saturday, Hagan ran a 3.850 ET at 329.16 mph.
- Advanced to Finals on Sunday:
- Round 1: 3.895 ET at 318.88 mph, defeated Paul Lee (5.014 ET at 148.91 mph)
- Round 2: 3.868 ET at 331.30 mph, defeated Alex Laughlin (4.344 ET at 255.77 mph)
● Semifinals: 3.875 ET at 328.85 mph, defeated Tim Wilkerson (3.897 ET at 328.95 mph)
● Finals: 3.883 ET at 332.25 mph, defeated John Force (6.818 ET at 94.02 mph)
- Currently leading the Funny Car championship standings, 36 points ahead of Bob Tasca III
- Pruett and Hagan earned the first double-up victory for Tony Stewart Racing in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.
- Hagan earned his fourth win at Texas Motorplex and his sixth win of the 2023 season. It marked the 49th win of his career. It gave Hagan the Funny Car points lead with two races remaining this season.
- Pruett earned her second win of the 2023 season. It marked her first victory at Texas Motorplex in the Top Fuel category and the 12th win in her Top Fuel career. It gave Pruett the Top Fuel points lead.
- Hagan has advanced to the Final round each of the last five years at the Texas Motorplex near Dallas. He has appeared in more final rounds in the Texas NHRA FallNationals than in any other event in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series (eight times in 15 appearances).
- Pruett has advanced to the Semifinals in every Countdown race this season.