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SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout returns to Bradenton Motorsports Park with big name racers

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Published  February 5, 2025 5:35pm EST
Bradenton
FOX 13 News

2025 Pro Superstar Shootout

FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon previewed the drag racing competition being held at the Bradenton Motorsports Park.

The Brief

    • Bradenton Motorsports Park is hosting its annual SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout race beginning on February 6.
    • Legendary driver Tony Stewart practiced on the track Wednesday before Thursday's race
    • The SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout is the first race since the offseason.

BRADENTON, Fla. - Legendary racers such as Tony Stewart hit the track in Bradenton on Wednesday, gearing up for the second annual SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout. 

Getting back in sync

Big picture view:

The first day back on the track at Bradenton’s Motorsports Park is all about the crews getting back in sync. 

"Just getting the crew guys to get in sync with each other and get in a routine for us as drivers to get back in the car and knock off the rust after an off-season, it’s awesome," said Tony Stewart of Tony Stewart Racing. "Bradenton is a great place to race."

For legendary racer Tony Stewart, it was his first ‘go’ at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

Stewart with his wife Leaf Pruett and their 11-month-year-old son.

Tony Stewart with his wife Leaf Pruett and their 11-month-year-old son.

Last year, before starting their family, his wife, Leah Pruett, was in the driver's seat for the SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout. 

"It’s kind of neat, a year ago, I was antsy because I wanted to run this race to get the year started off, and she was finishing off before a long break," Stewart said. "Now we get to come back, and yesterday was our 11-week-old’s son first day at the racetrack. That was a special day for our family."

Photo of Stewart with his wife Leah Pruett and there 11-month-old-son.

Tony Stewart and his wife Leah Pruett brought their 11-month-old son to the track.

Race fans get up close and personal

Dig deeper:

The SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout is the first race since the offseason. While it remains very competitive, it also gives fans a preview of the season and up-close access to their favorite racers.

"You get to watch the crews assemble and dissemble the cars. You get to see the drivers. It’s a real intimate feeling when you come to the race this year," Stewart said. "It’s nice to have that atmosphere and the energy that the fans bring." 

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It’s that unique access that racers like Justin Ashley of SCAG Racing enjoy.

"I know that NHRA and drag racing as a whole just offer a unique accessibility that most sports don’t," Ashley said. "Just the ability to talk and engage with fans, take pictures, and put some fans or kids in the race car makes it special. It’s fun to be a part of it." 

Crews working on a race car at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

Crews work on a race car at Bradenton Motorsports Park.

As they run it back to Bradenton, fans can expect an up-close seat to one of the biggest thrills. 

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"This is a great warm-up for us. This is a highly competitive environment. You have most of the best cars in the world that are here competing against each other for big money," Ashley said. "It is certainly highly competitive, and you want to kick off the year the right way, and there’s no better way than here." 

2nd annual SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout

What's next:

The 2nd annual SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout will be held February 6-8 at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Gates open at 8 a.m. on February 6. 

For more information, click here.

The Source: FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon collected the information in this story.

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