Tony Stewart Extends His Drag Racing Career and Will Compete Against His Wife in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing journey in 2026, 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 will 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 compete against her, despite the marketing alliance between their teams.“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,” added Freeman. Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month and now has one of the sport’s most prominent drivers at the wheel.“First things first, we need to fund the program, but making our intentions known will help,” commented Richard Freeman, the team owner. “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 secured two Top Fuel victories this year. With five races remaining in the NHRA season, Stewart is in second place in points.“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 explained. “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
