Reigning NHRA Funny Car World Champion Matt Hagan delivered a strong performance and won the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. Driving the Johnson Horsepower Garage Dodge//SRT Hellcat for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), Hagan earned his 52nd career win and established himself as one of the top players in the sport. This latest win marks his third win of the 2024 season and fifth at the Texas Motorplex, following wins in 2010, 2015, 2019 and 2023.
Hagan’s weekend started with an outstanding performance in qualifying, setting the fastest time of the year with a 3.823 second pass. This great effort secured him the second starting spot in the 16-car Funny Car field. From there he deftly worked his way through the competition, defeating Bobby Board, Cruz Pedregon and Daniel Wilkerson in the early rounds.
In the final round, Hagan faced fellow NHRA World Champion Ron Capps. The two veteran drivers battled through tough conditions with track temperatures reaching nearly 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Hagan’s sharp reflexes and quick reaction time of 0.064 seconds gave him the advantage, even though Capps executed the faster pass at 3.934 seconds. He crossed the finish line in 3.943 seconds, taking the “holeshot” victory. Victory is determined by the driver’s reaction time, not the driver’s overall speed.
After the win, Hagan reflected on the significance of the victory and the support of his team and sponsors. “This win was really special,” Hagan said. “We have always had great relationships with our partners and we have really great partners in Dodge//SRT at HELLCAT Funny Car. I have been with them for almost 15 years and have won four championships with them. JHG was in the car and Andy Ross from American Rebel was also in the race.
Hagan also commented on his mindset going into the final round against the Caps. “I love Ron, but before the finals I was ready to beat Ron. I’m like, ‘Let’s go.’ You’ll feel like you’re a gladiator. This is like a rodeo. You never know what’s going to happen when you get into this crazy machine. We have a great crew and they did a great job this weekend to get this win. Life is about people and those relationships are what really matter. ”
The win moves Hagan into third place in the NHRA Mission Funny Car points standings, positioning him well for the final two races of the season in Las Vegas and Pomona. His performance at the Texas Fall Nationals added to an already impressive season that included previous wins in Charlotte and Joliet.
Tony Stewart’s rookie season continues to be strong –
In the Top Fuel division, Hagan’s team owner, NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart, competed in his rookie season riding TSR Mobil 1 Dodge//SRT Dragster wheels. Stewart faced Sean Reed in the first round but fell short, with Reed’s 3.753 second pass beating Stewart’s 3.817 second pass.
Stewart, who currently ranks 10th in the NHRA Mission Top Fuel points standings, acknowledged the weekend’s challenges. “It’s been a very difficult weekend to say the least,” Stewart admitted. “We should never have put ourselves in a position where we needed to qualify for the event in the fourth qualifying session. We found ourselves in a tough situation in qualifying round one. Matt Hagan and JHG won today. I’m really proud of the Dodge//SRT crew, and I’m looking forward to Las Vegas.”
Ida Zetterström faces tough competition –
Swedish Top Fuel rookie Aida Zetterström, the 2023 FIA World Top Fuel Champion, also competed at the Texas Fall Nationals. In the opening race, he faced off against JCM Racing teammate Tony Schumacher. Despite his best efforts, Zetterstrom’s 4.082 second pass was not enough to beat Schumacher’s 3.801 second run.
As the NHRA season enters its final stages, Hagan, Stewart and Zetterstrom will turn their attention to the next event to be held on The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway from November 1-3. With Hagan aiming for another strong finish and Stewart and Zetterstrom aiming to end the season on a high note, the competition is sure to intensify as the countdown to the championship continues.
