Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Three-time NASCAR champion and 1997 IndyCar champion Tony Stewart considers 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 and did nearly everything right, although he lost in the first round to Justin Ashley. Stewart did beat Ashley off the starting line. Stewart drove for the first time in drag racing's top class. He slid into one of the seats in his two-car team to replace his wife, veteran driver Leah Pruett. She stepped away to try to start a family.
