Tony Stewart Stays in the Drag Racing World in 2026
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag racing career in 2026, and he will compete against his wife! Stewart announced on Thursday that he will drive a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This decision comes a week after announcing his plans to give his NHRA seat back 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 have 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. The marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing is creating an opportunity for Tony to maintain a seat in Top Fuel and have the chance to compete alongside his wife, Leah. Freeman acquired Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this month and now has one of motorsports’ most successful drivers at the wheel.“First things first, we need to get funding for the program, but letting everyone know our intentions, that will help,” said team owner Richard Freeman. “Tony is a great driver. We all know he can drive anything.
Richard Freeman
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.“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,” Stewart said. “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
