Tony Stewart will compete against his wife in NHRA 2026: Legend duel!

Tony Stewart will continue to compete in drag racing in 2026

NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his career in drag racing in 2026 and face off against his wife. Stewart announced on Thursday that he will drive a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. The decision comes a week after announcing his plans to step down from his NHRA position to his wife, Leah Pruett, who took a little over a year off after giving birth to 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.

First things first, we need to fund the program, but informing everyone of our intentions, that will help. Tony is a great pilot. We all know he can drive anything.

Richard Freeman, team owner

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.

I said from the beginning that I was just warming Leah’s seat and that it was hers as soon as she was ready to return. 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

The 2026 season will be 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 second in points.