Tony Stewart Will Compete in Drag Racing Against His Wife 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 announced on Thursday that he will pilot 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 race against her, even though their teams maintain a marketing alliance.Freeman added: “Tony is a great driver. We all know he can drive anything. He’s excellent at drag racing, not just as a team owner, but also behind the wheel. We are excited that, through our marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing, we are creating an opportunity for Tony to maintain a seat in Top Fuel and 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 successful drivers in motorsports at the wheel.First things first, we need to fund the program, but making our intentions known will help.
Richard Freeman, team owner
Stewart continued: “And as much as I would like to continue 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 still work as an owner and driver to help both organizations grow.” 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 second 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
