Stewart To Drive Elite Motorsports Top Fuel Entry In 2026

Tony Stewart has plans to continue in NHRA Top Fuel racing next season with Elite Motorsports. (NHRA photo)

WYNNEWOOD, Okla. – Despite stepping away from driving for his own TSR Nitro Top Fuel team for 2026, motorsports legend Tony Stewart isn’t about to take his foot off the gas pedal.

Stewart and Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman revealed Thursday that, once funding is fully secured, Stewart will pilot the team’s Top Fuel dragster – purchased from Josh Hart – next year in NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competition.

Six-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders and Pro Stock class standout Aaron Stanfield will also test and become licensed in the nitro dragster, as part of Freeman’s plan to further expand Elite Motorsports in the NHRA paddock.

“Having Tony as our driver, adding another Top Fuel entry, we’re taking care of the sport and opening up possibilities, that’s why we’ll have Erica and Aaron get licensed in the car as well. First things first though, we need to get the program funded, but letting everyone know our intentions, that will help,” said Freeman, who purchased Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier in September. “Tony is a great driver, and we all know he can drive anything.

“He’s great for drag racing, not just as a team owner, but behind the wheel. We’re excited that through our marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing, we’re creating an opportunity for Tony to keep a Top Fuel seat and a chance to race alongside his wife, Leah [Pruett].”

Stewart has had a breakout NHRA Top Fuel campaign this season, earning the regular season championship on the strength of two event wins in just his second year in the class.

He previously earned NHRA rookie-of-the-year honors in 2024 during his first year driving for TSR Nitro as the fill-in for his wife Leah, who gave birth to the couple’s son Dominic in November 2024.

“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 said. “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. And as much as I wanted 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 a driver to help both our organizations grow.”

With five races remaining in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, Stewart ranks second in Top Fuel points and less than one round of racing behind leader Doug Kalitta in pursuit of the class title.