Tony Stewart Will Compete in Drag Racing in 2026, Facing His Wife
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026, and will compete directly against 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 return his NHRA seat 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, despite the marketing alliance between their teams.Freeman added that Stewart is a great asset to drag racing, not only as a team owner but also behind the wheel. He was enthusiastic about the opportunity for Stewart to maintain a seat in Top Fuel and the possibility of competing alongside his wife, thanks to the marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing. Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, and now has one of the most successful 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 currently holds 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,” Stewart stated. “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 continue to work as an owner and driver to help both organizations grow.
Tony Stewart
