Tony Stewart Extends His Drag Racing Career and Will Compete Against His Wife in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026, and the competition will take a special turn: he will face his wife. Stewart revealed on Thursday that he will pilot a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This decision comes a week after announcing that he would give up his seat in the NHRA to his wife, Leah Pruett, who took a brief break after the birth of their son, Dominic. Pruett will resume her position at Tony Stewart Racing in 2026, and now Stewart will compete against her, despite the marketing alliance between their teams.Freeman added that Stewart is a great asset to drag racing, not only as a team owner, but also behind the wheel. The marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing creates an opportunity for Tony to maintain a seat in Top Fuel and compete alongside his wife, Leah. Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, securing one of the most prominent drivers in motorsports to lead his team.First things first, we need to fund the program, but making our intentions known will help,” commented team owner Richard Freeman. “Tony is a great driver. We all know he can drive anything.
Richard Freeman
The 2026 season will mark Stewart’s third in Top Fuel. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 1997 IndyCar champion was recognized as the NHRA Rookie of the Year in 2024 and earned two Top Fuel wins this year. With five races remaining in the NHRA season, Stewart is second in the standings.From the beginning I said I was just warming Leah’s seat and that it would be hers as soon as she was ready to return,” Stewart explained. “And although I wanted to continue driving, TSR is not in a position to add a second Top Fuel car. But with Richard’s purchase of Josh Hart’s team and our recent alliance, I can continue working as an owner and driver to help the growth of both organizations.
Tony Stewart
