Tony Stewart to Face Wife in Drag Racing in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026, and the competition will be even more exciting: he will face 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 revealed 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. Through the marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing, an opportunity is being created for Tony to maintain a seat in Top Fuel and have the possibility of competing alongside his wife, Leah. Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, and now has one of the most prominent drivers in motorsports at the wheel.First things first, we need to fund the program, but making our intentions known will help,” commented 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 in second place in the standings.“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,” Stewart stated. “And although I wanted to continue driving, TSR isn’t in a position to add a second Top Fuel car. But with Richard’s purchase of Josh Hart’s team and our recent alliance, I can still work as an owner and driver to help both organizations grow.
Tony Stewart
