Rinnai America Corporation has extended its partnership with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Series to promote its line of products. The partnership commenced in 2023 when TSR won its first championship in the Funny Car division with driver Matt Hagan.
In 2025, Tony Stewart Racing will continue to field two entries in the NHRA: four-time and defending Funny Car champion, Matt Hagan will pilot the Funny Car and either Tony Stewart or Leah Pruett will drive the Top Fuel Dragster. Rinnai colors will continue to adorn both cars.
“Our expertise in the water heating industry is unmatched, and this partnership with Tony Stewart and his NHRA team allows us to tell that story in an engaging, team-oriented environment that emulates the quality and dedication we put into our products and services,” said Frank Windsor, president, Rinnai America Corporation. “The similarities of our business to racing are numerous, especially when speed, efficiency, and superior quality are keys to success. Performance is paramount, and that’s something Rinnai has always understood. It’s part of our overall commitment to our customers and our brand promise of creating a healthier way of living.”
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series includes 20 events in 2025. Its 74th season starts with the NHRA Gatornationals March 6-9 in Gainesville, Fla., and concludes with the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals Nov. 13-16 in Pomona, Calif.
“We’re incredibly proud to extend this partnership with Rinnai because it demonstrates the strength of our NHRA program,” Stewart said. “I’ve visited Rinnai’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Griffin, Ga., and have been incredibly impressed with their attention to detail and quality in all they do. The opportunity to meet and engage their distributors, customers, and employees has been paramount to our relationship.
“To see our partnership grow organically over two years is something that I am very proud of. This is a great case study on how motorsports platforms can be an extremely effective tool with an appropriate commitment from both the team and partner. Rinnai utilizes every asset that we provide them and is very effective in engaging their constituents in their markets.”
In addition to branding on racecars, Rinnai continues as the official tankless water heater of Tony Stewart Racing. This designation enables Rinnai to showcase the many reasons that trade professionals choose to partner with the company to provide businesses and homes with high-quality, energy-efficient water heating solutions. This year Rinnai has leveraged the partnership to introduce many new and innovative products to the market including the most advanced condensing tankless water heater, an extended line of residential and commercial boilers, and the company’s first electric water heating solution with its electric heat pump water heater.
The 2024 NHRA Countdown will commence today at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton, Pa. for the first of six playoff events and will conclude with the crowning of champions in Pomona, Calif. on Nov. 17. Stewart will fly the Rinnai primary colors on his Top Fuel dragster this weekend in Pennsylvania.
