The DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway marks the culmination of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ three-week long Western Swing.
Coming into Sonoma, Pruett is currently third in the Top Fuel standings, 136 points behind leader Steve Torrence. Hagan is leading the Funny Car standings, 17 points ahead of Ron Capps.
Pruett is eyeing her first victory in the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals. She advanced to the final round in 2021, where she was narrowly defeated by Steve Torrence.
Hagan is also seeking his first victory in the DENSO NHRA Sonoma Nationals. He has advanced to the finals three times – 2012, 2019, and 2021.
Leah Pruett, Driver of the Rayce Rudeen Foundation Top Fuel Dragster
Sonoma is historically known for cooler air temperatures. The weather this year is forecasted to be warmer with conditions similar to Seattle. Expand on how the race will be a continuation of the Seattle weekend.
“We had a very responsive race car to the changes we were asking it to make in Seattle come race day and it delivered us a smooth run, allowing us to return next to the offense of picking up speed in the middle. We always say that we wish we had one more run and with Sonoma being similar conditions, the first round of qualifying will be the run we wanted to do next.”
You’ll have the Rayce Rudeen Foundation back on your Top Fuel dragster for the first time this season. Talk about the importance of racing for their cause.
“Racing for the Rayce Rudeen Foundation is unequivocally highly important because it is very impactful in making the difference in the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people and families. It is an ironic time of the season for me to highlight and be hyper-focused on their mission of empowering communities to fight addiction, which is something that takes strength to do. Right now as a driver, I have been fighting various physical and mental battles getting locked into the zone and as I keep missing my target, I become frustrated. I know however that the best version of myself is on the other side of my adversity. All I have to do is think about the adversity that families go through when it comes to addiction, treatment, and recovery, and easily get strength from them, knowing their battle is the most difficult. I’m just trying with all my being to drive a race car to the best of my ability and the Rayce Rudeen Foundation is putting their every being into saving and changing lives. I am humbled to represent them on and off the track.”
Matt Hagan, Driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car
You’ve maintained the points lead heading into Sonoma with four races remaining in the regular season prior to the Countdown to the Championship. What fuel does that give you in your quest for your first Wally from wine country?
“The quest to win at wine country has always been there, since I’ve never won there before. It’s always challenging and keeping the points lead is challenging. (Ron) Capps’ team is great. They’ve won back-to-back championships and he’s fighting hard to take over the lead, but we’re fighting hard to stay on top. This Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car is running good. We had a tough weekend in Seattle, but that’s drag racing and you’re going to have that. As much as you want to be on top all the time, it makes you appreciate the weekends when things do go well. Coming into Sonoma, we found some things we need to fix and the guys are working hard at it. Capps seems to always pull out a win in wine country, so now it’s his turn to watch us in the winner’s circle.”
Your Funny Car will feature Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage for their first primary race with Tony Stewart Racing. How special is it to welcome them onboard on the nitro side given their involvement in Pro Stock?
“It’s super special to be able to debut the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage scheme in Sonoma. Jason (Johnson) is a great guy and his group is incredible. They bring a great atmosphere to the track when they’re around and I love racing with them. His garage is unbelievable. They’re big Dodge enthusiasts and they have so many incredible cars that blow you away. They’ve been big supporters of drag racing for a long time. His dad sponsored both Kenny and Brandon Bernstein back in the day. They have nothing but love for drag racing and they’re huge supporters in the Pro Stock ranks with Elite Motorsports. To have them on the nitro side is awesome. We appreciate their support for the sport. When I won in Denver, it was a special race to me. Trophies are obviously always special. It was Jason’s birthday and I was able to give him my trophy for being a part of our program. What a great weekend to honor him with that and show him love. I know this Tony Stewart Racing group is going to win a lot of races, so I can’t wait to get JHG in the winner’s circle.”
Stewart, Pruett and Hagan will participate in a Heat Wave Visual autograph session on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. PDT. The session will take place at the Heat Wave Visual Display.
Tony Stewart Racing | TSR
