Tony Stewart Will Continue His Drag Racing Career and Compete Against His Wife in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue to compete in the world of drag racing in 2026, even facing his wife on the track. 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 cede his NHRA seat to his wife, Leah Pruett, who took a break of just over a year after the birth of their son, Dominic. Pruett will resume her role at Tony Stewart Racing in 2026, and Stewart will now compete against her, despite the marketing alliance between their teams.Freeman also commented on Stewart’s value in the sport. “Tony is a great driver. We all know he can drive anything. He’s great for drag racing, not only as a team owner, but also behind the wheel. We are excited that, through our marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing, we are creating an opportunity for Tony to maintain a seat in Top Fuel and the possibility of competing alongside his wife, Leah.” Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month and now has one of the most prominent drivers in motorsports at the wheel.First things first, we need to fund the program, but making our intentions known will help.
Richard Freeman, team owner
Stewart added that, although he wanted to continue competing, TSR is not in a position to add a second Top Fuel car. However, thanks to the recent alliance with Richard, he will be able to continue working as an owner and driver to help the growth of both organizations. The 2026 season will mark Stewart’s third in Top Fuel. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 1997 IndyCar champion earned the NHRA Rookie of the Year award in 2024 and achieved two Top Fuel victories this year. With five races remaining in the NHRA season, Stewart is in second place in points.I said from the beginning that I was just warming Leah’s seat and that it was hers as soon as she was ready to come back.
Tony Stewart
