The NHRA Midwest Nationals near St. Louis is the 18th race on the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series’ 21-race schedule and it is the third round in the six-race Countdown to the Championship. Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) drivers Leah Pruett (Top Fuel) and Matt Hagan (Funny Car) are both in the Countdown, with 2023 marking Pruett’s seventh appearance in the NHRA postseason and Hagan’s 12th.
Leah Pruett, Driver of the Code 3 Associates Top Fuel Dragster
Pruett is fourth in the Top Fuel standings heading into St. Louis, 76 points behind championship leader Doug Kalitta.
Pruett is seeking her first victory in the NHRA Midwest Nationals, as well as her first No. 1 qualifier at the event. Pruett has gone to the semifinals in three of her last five appearances (2018, 2019 and 2021). However, Pruett does own a win at the track – 2018 in Factory Stock Showdown. She has also competed in Pro Mod at St. Louis, advancing to the second round in 2012.
You’ve advanced to the Semifinals in the last two Countdown events. What momentum does that give you and your team heading into St. Louis?
“It gives us enough to know we have a responsive race car. The goal is to translate the momentum straight into qualifying, so that we can pick up those small, yet all-important points.”
You’re running Code 3 Associates on your Top Fuel Dragster for the second time this season. What does it mean to run their colors?
“Unfortunately, Nan, owner and horsepower behind Code 3 Associates, will not be with us in St. Louis as she will be with one of her dear dogs in her final days. There’s no one that understands that more than us, and anyone that cherishes their pets. Animals provide so much comfort to us. Code 3 Associates elevates the impact animals have in regard to human life, from their training to their resources, to rescue animals during disasters. Tony (Stewart) and I are surrounded by animals every day and everywhere, and to help share awareness of what Code 3 Associates stands for is an extension of our love for animals and their well-being.”
Matt Hagan, Driver of the American Rebel Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car
Hagan is tied for third with Ron Capps in the Funny Car standings, 69 points behind leader Robert Hight.
Hagan enters the NHRA Midwest Nationals with one win in 2021, where his 3.933 ET, 333.49 mph run defeated Bob Tasca III (3.967 ET at 329.99 mph). Hagan has three No. 1 qualifiers at St. Louis, which came in 2013 (4.001 ET at 320.20 mph), 2015 (3.883 ET at 330.47 mph) and 2021 (3.875 ET at 327.03 mph). Hagan has gone to the finals five times at St. Louis, with runner-up finishes in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2020.
You surpassed 500 career round wins at the previous event, the Carolina Nationals. What does that mean when you look back on your career thus far?
“500 round wins is a huge milestone over your career. I can’t believe I’ve been able to be out here that long. I’ve been fortunate to surround myself with a good group of people the whole time and that’s why I’ve been so successful. I’m blessed to have the same group of guys now that’s been together for so long. I know what they’re capable of and I know what we can do out there on the racetrack. There’s a lot more round wins to come in the future.”
You’re running American Rebel on your Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car for the second time this season. What does it mean to run their colors?
“I’m really excited to run the American Rebel colors again in St. Louis. They’re a company that’s really growing right now at a fast pace. I’ll be making a Menards appearance this weekend, which I’m looking forward to. Everyone should go online and check out all of their safes because they’re a great product. Andy Ross (American Rebel CEO) is a patriotic guy that symbolizes the American way. He’s a good guy to be around and we share a lot of the same values. I hope we can go some rounds for them on Sunday. Andy is a musician, and he was working on a jingle for me last week, so I can’t wait to hear it.”
Ashley Wilson | Tony Stewart Racing
