Stewart will compete against his wife Leah Pruett in the 2026 NHRA

Tony Stewart: Motorsports Legend Ventures into Drag Racing with Elite Motorsports

NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026, marking a significant milestone in his sporting career. The news was announced on Thursday, generating great anticipation among fans. Stewart will compete in a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This decision comes a week after he announced his intention 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, which means Stewart will compete directly against her, despite the marketing alliance between their teams.

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

Richard Freeman

Freeman added: “It’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 have the chance to race alongside his wife, Leah.” Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, thus securing one of the most prominent drivers in motorsports for his team.

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 said. “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 still work as an owner and driver to help both organizations grow.

Tony Stewart

The 2026 season will mark Stewart’s third participation 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 achieved two Top Fuel victories this year. With five races remaining in the NHRA season, Stewart is in second place in the standings.