2024 Gatornationals: Racing legend Tony Stewart creates buzz ahead of NHRA debut

Every year, plenty of drivers make their debut in the NHRA.

Not usually is one of them a NASCAR Hall of Famer.

But, this weekend at Gatornationals, Tony Stewart will make his NHRA introduction at the first event of the Top Fuel Drag season.

It marks the fourth circuit for the 52-year-old after the National Midget Series, Indy Car and NASCAR. Stewart acknowledged he holds some nerves like any rookie.

“It’s a little embarrassing to be a 52-year-old rookie,” Stewart said Friday. “From the staging lanes until the time we actually get to make that run will probably be the most nerve wracking,”

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Here’s what to know about Stewart’s appearance:

Why is Stewart making the move?

Stewart retired from NASCAR in 2016 after a decorated racing career that saw him win Cup Series championships in 2002, 2005 and 2011.

NHRA first caught Stewart’s attention in 2021 when he married Leah Pruett, a Top Fuel Dragster competitor since 2013. He's been more involved in the last two seasons while Pruett was the primary driver for Tony Stewart Racing, but she and Stewart want to start a family, so she's stepping out . She can’t do it this season due to her and Tony’s desire to start a family.

“Someone has to drive the car,” Stewart said.

Pruett first asked Stewart last spring if he’d consider taking over the car. He said no initially due to his lack of experience, but he changed his mind later in the year.

Stewart asked for many pointers from Pruett and Matt Hagan, the four-time Funny Car champion who also competes for Tony Stewart Racing.

“It’s like being in high school all over again and getting the Cliffs Notes version of whatever book you are supposed to read,” Stewart said.

Stewart adjusts to disadvantages

Stewart’s biggest disadvantage is lack of runs. Pruett told him 100 runs is what a racer should have before their debut. Stewart has 29, primarily due to poor weather.

Due to this, Stewart keeps his expectations low. It’s a mentality he’s held more often that you’d think.

He'll kick things off at 3 p.m. Saturday in Top Fuel qualifying.

“Every time I get in a new car, it’s the same thing. I didn’t expect it right off the bat,” Stewart said. “During a race weekend, things are going to happen that don’t happen during testing.”

Hagan said Stewart’s mind works differently than most, and therefore, he’s picked up this new racing well.

“He’s one of those guys who is really methodical about what he does and picks it up quickly,” Hagan said. “Most of his questions are great. Great student and fast learner.”

Buzz high in Gainesville

The Gatornationals attracts attention yearly due to its status as the east coast’s first race of the NHRA season. Due to Stewart’s arrival, the giddiness reached a high.

Brian Webb lives in the Tallahassee area and has attended Gatornationals since 1978.

He views Gatornationals as a nice spring kickoff and an event shared with his father and grandfather. This draws him back to Alachua County every year. He and his wife Sue, are also huge NASCAR and Stewart fans.

Webb said he usually avoids the pits since he’s been so many times, but not this time.

“We made a special trip just to see Tony,” Webb said.

Brent Unger began following Stewart about 30 years ago when he raced in the Midget Car Series, but he views himself as more of a casual fan. He found Stewart friendly and welcoming as he signed autographs Friday afternoon. Unger attributes this to the vibe of Gatornationals.

“The accessibility of the drivers and the teams is awesome,” Unger said. “You go to NASCAR and Indy Car, and you can’t go up to drivers. Here egos are checked at the door.”

That energy has brought the Jacksonville resident back for over 15 years.

Unger and Stewart are both from Columbus, Indiana, and his dad is friendly with Stewart’s mom.

Hagan believes Stewart’s entry will bring in loads of money and business to the NHRA.

“It’s a huge shot in the arm for the NHRA. You have people lined up just to sign some old NASCAR stuff,” Hagan said. “It’s filtering in a lot of money, and I think it would be wise for the NHRA to ride his coattails as long as possible.”

He also hopes these new fans will stick to the NHRA long term, adding that he’s never heard of a bad fan experience with the association.

“People come up to me and say, ‘where has this been my entire life?’ Hagan said. “When you get up to the very top of the grandstands, and it shakes every organ in your body, that’s just raw power. You can’t get that anywhere else.”

The Gatornationals continues through Sunday at the Gainesville Raceway, located at 11211 North County Road 225 in Northeast Gainesville.

Noah Ram covers Gainesville-area high school sports and University of Florida athletics for The Gainesville Sun. Contact him at Nram@gannett.com and follow him @Noah_ram1 on Twitter.