Tony Stewart Will Compete in Drag Racing Against His Wife in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his career in the world of drag racing in 2026. The most outstanding news is that he will compete directly against his wife. Stewart revealed on Thursday that he will pilot a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This decision comes a week after announcing his intention to cede his position 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, which means Stewart will compete against her, even though their teams maintain a marketing alliance.Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month, ensuring he has one of motorsports’ most prominent drivers at the wheel.“First things first, we need to fund the program, but making our intentions known will help,” commented team owner Richard Freeman.
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 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,” Stewart said.
Tony Stewart
