Matt Hagan Wins NHRA Funny Car's Historic 1,000th Race

Boss Tony Stewart also wins Top Fuel event in Pomona double-header

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring fragmented, geometric shapes in bright colors representing the high-speed action of an NHRA Funny Car race, conveying the excitement and intensity of the milestone 1,000th event.Hagan's historic Funny Car victory and Stewart's first Top Fuel win as a team owner showcase the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of NHRA drag racing.Pomona Today

Matt Hagan captured the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history, defeating Ron Capps by just 0.007 seconds on Sunday at the Lucas Oil Winternationals in Pomona, California. Hagan's victory came one day after he won the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, giving his boss Tony Stewart a double-win weekend as the owner of Hagan's Funny Car team and the winner of the Top Fuel event.

Why it matters

Hagan's victory in the milestone 1,000th Funny Car race is a significant achievement in NHRA history, cementing his status as one of the top drivers in the class. Stewart's first Top Fuel win as a team owner also highlights his growing influence in the sport after transitioning from NASCAR to NHRA competition.

The details

Hagan used his 99th final-round appearance to record his 56th career Funny Car victory, his fifth at the Winternationals, and eighth at the Pomona dragstrip. The win improved his elimination-round record to 586-318, putting him just 14 round-wins away from reaching the 600 plateau. Stewart's Top Fuel victory was his seventh final-round appearance and first win at Pomona.

  • On Saturday, Hagan won the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.
  • On Sunday, Hagan defeated Ron Capps in the final round of the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history.
  • Stewart won the Top Fuel event at the Lucas Oil Winternationals on Sunday.

The players

Matt Hagan

A four-time NHRA Funny Car champion and driver for Tony Stewart Racing/TSR Nitro.

Ron Capps

One of the leading active NHRA Funny Car drivers, with 77 career victories.

Tony Stewart

A former NASCAR champion who has transitioned to NHRA competition as a team owner, winning his first Top Fuel event on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“Well, we definitely are leaving with something. The only thing we didn't leave with was the change under the bleachers.”

— Matt Hagan, NHRA Funny Car Driver

“I've been a part of a lot of different programs and worked with a lot of different people. But I promise you, all the ingredients are here to win.”

— Tony Stewart, NHRA Team Owner

What’s next

The NHRA tour will continue with the next event at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida on April 27-30.

The takeaway

Hagan's historic Funny Car victory and Stewart's first Top Fuel win as a team owner highlight the continued growth and competitiveness of NHRA drag racing, with established stars and new team owners all vying for championships.