Tony Stewart to Race Against His Wife in NHRA 2026

Tony Stewart to Face His Wife on the Drag Racing Track in 2026

NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026, and he will do so by competing directly against his wife. Stewart announced on Thursday that he will drive a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This decision comes a week after revealing his plans to give up his seat in the NHRA 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 that exists between their teams.

First things first, we need to fund the program, but making our intentions known will help,” said team owner Richard Freeman. “Tony is a great driver. We all know he can drive anything.

Richard Freeman

Freeman added that Stewart is a great figure for drag racing, not only as an owner, but also behind the wheel. He was enthusiastic about the opportunity for Stewart to maintain a seat in Top Fuel and compete alongside his wife, thanks to the marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing. Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, thus securing one of the most successful drivers in motorsports.

From the beginning I said I was just warming Leah’s seat and it would be hers as soon as she was ready to return,” Stewart commented. “And as much as I’d like to keep driving, TSR isn’t in a position to add a second Top Fuel car. But with Richard buying Josh Hart’s team and our recent alliance, I can continue to work as an owner and driver to help both organizations grow.

Tony Stewart

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 currently second in the points standings.