Associated media – Associated media
For the past two years, Tony Stewart has been honing his skills to pilot a dragster capable of accelerating from 0 to 330 mph in mere seconds. The transition from stock car racing to drag racing has been a significant shift for the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion. He acknowledges that adapting to the rapid pace of drag racing has tested his mental agility, but he is not entirely confident in his ability to process everything as quickly as the sport demands.
When asked about navigating the challenges of fatherhood, particularly diaper changes, Stewart laughs, revealing a more personal struggle. “I’m looking for every possible way to avoid diaper duties,” he shared in a recent interview. His wife, Leah, who is expecting their first child in just two weeks, has made it clear that he will share in these parental responsibilities. Stewart understands her perspective, recognizing that this is an integral part of their new journey as parents.
The upcoming birth is a momentous occasion for Stewart, overshadowing even his racing career. When the couple decided to expand their family, Leah stepped back from her role as a driver, allowing Stewart to take the wheel in drag racing, a field where he was still finding his footing.
The transition was not without its difficulties. Stewart, a fierce competitor, relished the challenge of adapting to a new racing format. As he moves away from his NASCAR past, he finds fulfillment in the unique demands of drag racing, where cars can reach speeds of 334 mph in just a few seconds. He describes the experience of a dragster run as a mental race in itself, where his brain initially struggled to keep pace with the car’s speed. “Your brain is trying to catch up, asking, ‘What’s happening? How do I stay engaged?’” he explained.
Stewart has now trained himself to understand the vehicle’s dynamics, quickly responding to its movements. However, it took time for him to adjust to the intense demands of drag racing, where every second counts.
As the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) season finale approaches at the Pomona Dragstrip in California, Stewart finds himself in the 10th position in the standings. This season has been challenging, with ten first-round exits in 19 events. He did, however, make it to the finals once, securing a commendable second place at Sonoma. Despite being in contention for the Rookie of the Year title, Stewart admits that the season has not unfolded as he had hoped.
“I wish I could say it’s been a great year,” he reflected. “But it’s been tough. There’s been a steep learning curve for me and the team as we work to improve the car’s performance.”
After spending a year in a top-tier dragster, Stewart advanced to the highest fuel category this season, achieving three wins in the top alcohol division. He initially feared he would be the weak link on the team, doubting his ability to contribute effectively. “I thought the team would perform better without me,” he said. “Fortunately, my wife has been an incredible mentor, and I’ve quickly learned what I need to do as a driver.”
The shift in mindset is what Stewart finds most striking between his previous racing experiences and his current endeavors. He is accustomed to lengthy races, but drag racing is a sprint, requiring a completely different focus. “In NASCAR and sprint car racing, the driver often contributes about 70% to the overall success,” he explained. “In NHRA, it’s more like 70% tuning and 30% driving. There’s not much a driver can do to increase speed, but plenty of ways to hinder it or damage the engine.”
Stewart has navigated several challenges this season, including adjustments to the chassis specifications that were uncertain in their impact on performance. Additionally, the weight difference due to Leah not being in the car has been a consideration, although its exact significance remains unclear.
As for future plans, Stewart is uncertain whether he will take over driving for Leah at the start of the next season. NHRA has implemented rules that allow points earned by a substitute driver to be added to the main driver’s total, should a driver need to step back for reasons like pregnancy.
“I can’t pretend to know what childbirth entails or the recovery process,” Stewart admitted. “I’m learning and reading more about it. The road to recovery isn’t simple, and we’re still figuring things out. Ultimately, it will be Leah’s decision. I’m just filling in until she’s ready to return. This is her car and her team, and when she wants to come back, it will be waiting for her.”
Bob Pockrass, a veteran motorsports journalist, covers NASCAR for FOX Sports, bringing decades of experience to his reporting, including extensive coverage of the Daytona 500.
Linked media – Associated media
