Tony Stewart: Motorsports Legend to Compete in Drag Racing Against His Wife in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026, and he will do so by competing directly against his wife. Stewart announced on Thursday that he will drive a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This decision comes a week after announcing his plans to give up his seat in the NHRA to his wife, Leah Pruett, who took a little over a year off 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 have a marketing alliance.Freeman, the team owner, added that Stewart is a great driver and that his participation is beneficial for drag racing. Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, securing one of the most successful drivers in motorsports.First things first, we need to fund the program, but letting everyone know our intentions will help.
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 that it would be hers as soon as she was ready to return.
Tony Stewart
