Tony Stewart to Face His Wife in Drag Racing in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026, and this time, he will compete directly against his wife. Stewart revealed on Thursday that he will drive a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This decision comes a week after announcing that he would return his NHRA seat to his wife, Leah Pruett, who was off the tracks for just over a year after giving birth to their son, Dominic. Pruett will resume her role at Tony Stewart Racing in 2026, which means Stewart will now compete against her, even though their teams maintain a marketing alliance.Freeman, who acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, highlighted the importance of having such an experienced driver at the wheel.First things first, we need to fund the program, but making our intentions known will help. Tony is a great pilot. We all know he can drive anything.
Richard Freeman, team owner
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 points.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. And although I wanted to keep 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 continue working as an owner and driver to help both organizations grow.
Tony Stewart
