The NHRA world just got a lot more interesting. Tony Stewart, the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who’s already dominated drag racing in his short time in Top Fuel, announced his plans to continue racing—but with a twist that could create the most awkward dinner conversations in motorsports history.
The Deal That Changes Everything
Stewart has secured a deal to drive Elite Motorsports’ new Top Fuel dragster in 2026, contingent on finding proper funding. Team owner Richard Freeman, who recently purchased Josh Hart’s entire Top Fuel operation, couldn’t contain his excitement about landing one of racing’s biggest names.
According to the NHRA Official Announcement, “Having Tony as our driver, adding another Top Fuel entry, we’re taking care of the sport and opening up possibilities,” Freeman said. “Tony is a great driver; we all know he can drive anything. He’s great for drag racing, not just as a team owner, but behind the wheel.”
The announcement comes through Elite’s marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing, creating a unique business partnership that benefits both organizations.
Why Stewart Had to Make the Move?
Stewart’s decision wasn’t entirely by choice. His wife, Leah Pruett, is returning to competition in 2026 after taking time off following the birth of their son, Dominic. This means she’s reclaiming her seat in the Tony Stewart Racing Top Fuel dragster.
“I said from the very beginning that I was just keeping Leah’s seat warm and that it was hers as soon as she was ready to come back,” Stewart explained. “Well, she’s coming back in 2026, and that Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster is going to have her name on it, not mine.”
Since Tony Stewart Racing isn’t in a position to field two Top Fuel cars, Stewart had to find another home—and Elite Motorsports provided the perfect solution.
The Most Awkward Racing Rivalry Ever
This setup creates something unprecedented in motorsports: a husband-and-wife rivalry on the same racing circuit. Stewart has already joked about how uncomfortable this situation will be.
According to Forbes Analysis on Stewart’s Family Rivalry, “I still think it’s a terrible idea,” Stewart laughed earlier this year. “It’s a no-win scenario for me. If I win, I’m on the couch. If she wins, I have to tell all my friends that I got beaten by my wife. I’m still trying to figure out how this is a win for me.”
Stewart’s Incredible NHRA Success Story
The 54-year-old Stewart has proven he can master any type of racing. His NHRA achievements in just two seasons are remarkable:
2024 Accomplishments:
- NHRA Rookie of the Year award
- First season learning Top Fuel basics
2025 Achievements:
- Two Top Fuel victories including his breakthrough at Las Vegas
- 2025 NHRA regular season championship title
- Currently second in points with just 18 points behind the leader
- Five races remaining in the Countdown to the Championship
These numbers prove Stewart isn’t just a novelty act—he’s a legitimate championship contender who could win it all in his second full season.
Elite Motorsports’ 2026 Top Fuel Plans
| Driver | Role | Status |
| Tony Stewart | Primary driver | Confirmed (pending funding) |
| Erica Enders | Licensed driver/Pro Stock champion | Will test and license |
| Aaron Stanfield | Licensed driver/young talent | Will test and license |
The Funding Challenge
While the deal is announced, Freeman made it clear that funding still needs to be secured before the program becomes reality. However, having Stewart’s name attached should make sponsorship conversations much easier.
According to Elite Motorsports Expansion Plans, Freeman said, “We’ve talked about this for a long time, even bought a Top Fuel car in the past with the hopes of getting into nitro, but it didn’t play out. Now it feels like the right time. We are actively pursuing sponsorships and partners but also looking for the right people and team to run the program once we are fully funded. It’s going to happen and I’m excited about the possibilities.”
Elite Motorsports is already the largest team in NHRA, fielding up to nine Pro Stock entries plus programs in other divisions. Adding Top Fuel with Stewart behind the wheel would create what Freeman calls “basically a super team.”
What This Means for NHRA?
Stewart joining Elite creates several storylines:
- A powerhouse team getting even stronger
- The sport’s biggest star continuing to compete
- An unprecedented husband-versus-wife championship battle
- More mainstream attention for drag racing
The partnership also brings together two successful organizations, combining Elite’s infrastructure with Tony Stewart Racing’s marketing power and sponsorship connections.