Tony Stewart to Stay in Top Fuel With Elite Motorsports in 2026

Tony Stewart isn’t ready to step away from the cockpit just yet. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year confirmed that, once funding is finalized, he will continue competing in Top Fuel for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. This time, it’ll be behind the wheel of an Elite Motorsports entry.

A New Chapter With Elite Motorsports – 

Earlier this month, Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman purchased Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation, immediately expanding his team’s footprint in the NHRA. As part of a new alliance with Tony Stewart Racing, Stewart will drive the team’s dragster in 2026 while helping develop the program. Freeman noted that six-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders and young talent Aaron Stanfield will also get seat time, testing and licensing in the car as the team lays the groundwork for future growth.

“Having Tony in the car is a huge win for drag racing,” Freeman said. “He can drive anything, and he brings star power that lifts the whole sport. At the same time, giving Erica and Aaron the chance to license shows our long-term vision.”

Leah Pruett’s Return Clears the Way – 

When Stewart first stepped into Top Fuel competition in 2024, he was quick to point out he was only “keeping the seat warm” for his wife, Leah Pruett. She stepped away from driving to start a family, and she will return to her familiar Direct Connection Dodge//SRT dragster in 2026. That left Stewart searching for a way to remain on track without forcing his team to add a costly second entry.

“With Leah coming back, her name is rightfully going back on our TSR Top Fueler,” Stewart said. “But thanks to this new partnership with Richard, I can keep racing while still building the sport and helping both organizations grow.”

A Rapid Rise in Top Fuel – 

Stewart’s move to Top Fuel has been anything but slow. After winning NHRA Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, he scored his first Top Fuel victory at the 2025 NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. He has since added another Wally trophy to his collection and captured the 2025 NHRA regular-season championship. With just five Countdown races remaining, Stewart sits second in points—only 18 markers shy of the lead—as he chases a potential world championship.

Looking Ahead – 

If the funding falls into place, Stewart’s third season in Top Fuel will mark another major step in his storied motorsports career. Between his NASCAR, IndyCar, and now NHRA successes, the 53-year-old remains one of the most versatile racers of all time. Fans can expect fireworks in 2026 as he lines up against the best in the business while his wife returns to her own Top Fuel ride.