News Summary
The NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway promises an action-packed weekend as top competitors, including Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan, prepare for exciting races. Stewart, currently leading the Top Fuel standings, aims for continued success, while Hagan looks to make an impact at his home track. Fans can look forward to autograph sessions and live coverage of the event, enhancing the overall racing experience.
Bristol, Tennessee – Excitement Abounds at NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
This weekend, Bristol Dragway hosts the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series at the halfway mark of its season. The SUPERGRIP NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals promises to deliver thrilling races as Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) enters the competition with considerable momentum.
TSR’s lineup features Tony Stewart’s Top Fuel dragster and Matt Hagan’s Dodge//SRT HELLCAT Funny Car, both showcasing a new livery from Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage (JHG). This marks the first appearance of the new design in the current season.
The Thunder Valley Nationals is the eighth of 20 events in the NHRA season, with Stewart currently holding the top position in the Top Fuel points, leading by 71 points over second-place driver Shawn Langdon.
Stewart’s Rise in Top Fuel
This season marks Stewart’s second full-time year in Top Fuel, where he has quickly established himself as a formidable contender. His performance over the last five events has been remarkable, boasting a record of 15 wins to 3 losses in elimination rounds. He is the only Top Fuel driver to progress beyond Round 1 at every race throughout the 2025 season, underscoring his competitive edge.
Stewart has expressed appreciation for his partnership with JHG and hopes to replicate his success by reaching the Finals once again in Bristol.
Hagan’s Homecoming
Local favorite Matt Hagan is also gearing up for the Thunder Valley Nationals, viewing this event as a homecoming since he has made 15 career starts at Bristol Dragway. Hagan has previously found success at this location, with one victory in 2015 and a runner-up finish in 2016. Despite his achievements, Hagan remains focused on securing a No. 1 qualifier spot at this year’s event.
Hagan is currently positioned fourth in the Funny Car standings and holds the Bristol speed record at 330.34 mph, which he set in 2021. With new crew chiefs on his team, Hagan is optimistic about the upcoming performance of his car and their ability to compete at a high level.
Event Details and Fan Engagement
The Thunder Valley Nationals will run from June 6-8, 2025. The event is expected to feature multiple autograph sessions where fans can meet both Stewart and Hagan, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
Moreover, Stewart will compete in the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, providing both bonus points and cash incentives, which adds another layer of excitement to the weekend.
Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets and find more information about the event directly on the NHRA website. Event coverage will include live streams of both qualifying and elimination rounds, with designated broadcasting times available on FS1.
The anticipation for the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway is palpable as both Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan prepare to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd, promising a spectacular weekend of drag racing.
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Additional Resources
- NHRA
- Google Search: NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals 2025
- The Tennessean
- Wikipedia: Drag Racing
- Herald Courier
- Google Scholar: NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals
- Drag Illustrated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: NHRA
- Mopar Insiders
- Google News: Tony Stewart Racing NHRA
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
