Tony Stewart joins Elite Motorsports and will compete against his wife in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his career in the world of drag racing in 2026, and he will do so by competing directly against his wife. Stewart announced on Thursday that he will pilot a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This decision comes a week after he announced 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, 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. The marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing is creating an opportunity for Stewart to maintain a Top Fuel seat and compete alongside his wife, Leah. Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, and now has one of the most successful drivers in motorsports at the wheel.“First things first, we need to fund the program, but letting everyone know our intentions, that 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 second in points.“I said from the beginning that I was just warming Leah’s seat and that it would be hers as soon as she was ready to return,” Stewart said. “And as much as I would have liked to continue driving, TSR is not in a position to add a second Top Fuel car. But with Richard buying Josh Hart’s team and our recent alliance, I can still work as an owner and driver to help both organizations grow.”
Tony Stewart
