By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Rinnai sponsored Top Fuel Dragster Tony Stewart has won his second career Top Fuel race on Sunday. He defeated SCAG Power Equipment sponsored driver Justin Ashley in the final round at the 25th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois.
Stewart went 3.777 at 329.10 mph to get the win. Ashley went 3.818 at 324.12 mph in the losing effort.
The former NASCAR driver has gone to four straight final rounds. He also won the Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals.
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“You’ve got to believe we’re real now at this point,” Stewart said. “I wouldn’t have said it before today. Even in Vegas (for his first win), I said we’re making progress but we’re not where we need to be yet. But it’s hard to be the points leader and not think you’re a contender now. I’m very grateful and it’s nice we’ve got a consistent car.
“We were in a position where we had to pick up the pace when it got cooler. I ran a career best 3.67 yesterday. When you race Justin you have to just run your race. We decided that you just need to do your deal the same way. He’s the best in the class and it’s hard for a crew chief to make that up. He also has the ability to bring out the best in you. That makes this more special. We respect each other. That’s what I love about NHRA.”
Before this final round, Ashley held a 3-2 advantage over Stewart in the previous rounds. This was the first time that these two drivers faced off in the final round.
Ashley had the early lead off the starting line with his 0.042 reaction time. Stewart, who had an 0.048 reaction line, was able to take the lead by the time the two cars went past the Christmas tree.
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After getting the lead, Stewart never trailed again.
“There’s a lot that can happen and a lot of racing left,” Stewart said. “But I’m extremely proud of our team for the progress we’ve made and where we were a year ago to where we are now.”
.@TonyStewart does it again! @gerbercollision #Route66Nats presented by @peakauto pic.twitter.com/bY81XPokFf
— NHRA (@NHRA) May 18, 2025
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