Tony Stewart Returns to Drag Racing in 2026, Competing Against His Wife
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026. The most notable news is that he will compete directly against his wife. Stewart revealed this Thursday that he will drive 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 break of just over a year after the birth of their son, Dominic. Pruett will resume her position at Tony Stewart Racing in 2026, and Stewart will now compete against her, even though their teams maintain a marketing alliance.Freeman added that Stewart is a great asset to drag racing, not only as a team 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, and now has one of the most prominent drivers in motorsports at the wheel.First things first, we need to secure the program’s funding, 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
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 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 commented. “And although I wanted to continue driving, TSR isn’t 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
