Tony Stewart is speaking out after a frightening crash during Sunday’s NHRA Reading Nationals left fans holding their breath.
The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current Top Fuel contender collided with Doug Kalitta during Round 2 of eliminations. The incident occurred when Kalitta’s front left wheel failed as the two drivers slowed after their run. The malfunction sent both cars into each other, forcing Stewart’s dragster into the wall in a violent impact that nearly flipped the vehicle.
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Stewart, known to fans as “Smoke,” walked away from the wreck but admitted he was shaken. On Monday, he took to social media to thank the racing community for its outpouring of support.
“I just wanted to thank all of our fans, teammates, and most of all our racing family for checking on us yesterday,” Stewart wrote. “It wasn’t the day we had planned, but I’m thankful to the NHRA Safety Safari and Dr. Surface for making sure we did all the right things in that situation. It definitely could have been way worse.”
I just wanted to thank all of our fans, teammates, and most of all our racing family for checking on us yesterday. Wasn’t the day we had planned, but thankful to the @NHRA Safety Safari and Dr. Surface for making sure we did all the right things in that situation. It definitely… pic.twitter.com/vE5Q8wtnKZ
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) September 15, 2025
The 53-year-old acknowledged he was sore following the crash but made clear he intends to return to competition quickly. “Everyone that climbs into a racecar knows it can happen at any moment,” Stewart said. “I can’t wait to get back to the track Friday and continue this amazing battle for a World Championship.”
Kalitta, who was also involved in the wreck, reported no major injuries. Both drivers’ survival highlighted the importance of NHRA’s robust safety protocols, which have been credited with preventing more serious outcomes in high-speed accidents.
For fans of Stewart, the message brought relief and reassurance that their driver remains focused on chasing a championship despite the scare.
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