Tony Stewart continues to lock up awards as he takes on new racing series. The latest is in NHRA.
According to an announcement, Smoke is the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year. He beat out other contenders in Brandon Foster, Richard Gadson, Derrick Reese, Jasmine Salinas, Sienna Wildgust, Daniel Wilkerson, and Ida Zetterstrom.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame member replaced his wife Leah Pruett in the Tony Stewart Racing Top Fuel dragster as the couple focused on starting a family. They welcomed their son Dominic James Stewart last weekend.
Stewart took part in qualifying, went to Phoenix for the birth of their child, and then returned to Ponoma for race day.
The best name he’s ever had. #TSRnitro | #NHRA | @TonyStewart | @LeahPruett_TF | @NHRA pic.twitter.com/9EV0dEdqSl
— Tony Stewart Racing Nitro (@TSRnitro) November 17, 2024
Stewart enjoyed a standout campaign in the Top Fuel class. He advanced to two final rounds and four semifinals. He also secured a spot in the Countdown to the Championship.
Stewart ended the season by finishing ninth in the Top Fuel points.
According to NHRA, some of the nation's top auto racing journalists vote for the recipient of Rookie of the Year. They make their decision based on the number of events competed in, performance on and off the racetrack, and participation in NHRA promotions.
The relationships with fans, sponsors, and media also play a role in the voting process.
"It's a big honor to win this award this season," Stewart said, per NHRA. "There are some great drivers in the NHRA, and it's one of the most diverse forms of motorsports I've been a part of.
"I've had a really good time working with the series this season to promote and continue to grow the sport."
Rookie of the Year is only the latest achievement on Stewart's racing resume. Some other accomplishments include winning the 2021 Superstar Racing Experience championship, the 1995 USAC Triple Crown, the 1997 IndyCar championship, and three NASCAR Cup Series championships (2003, 2005, 2011)