Tony Stewart considers his debut in the NHRA's Top Fuel class a success despite an early exit
Tony Stewart grabbed a soft drink and a seat on the couch. Stewart, a three-time NASCAR champion and the 1997 IndyCar champion, considered his NHRA Top Fuel debut a rousing success despite losing in the first round of eliminations. The 52-year-old Stewart made five passes during the season-opening Gatornationals — four in qualifying before an early exit against Justin Ashley — and did nearly everything right.