NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart Will Race His Wife on the Drag Strip

NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart will continue his drag-racing career in 2026 — and he will compete against his wife.

Stewart announced Thursday he will drive a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. The move comes a week after he announced plans to turn his NHRA seat back over to his wife, Leah Pruett. Pruett took a little more than a year off after welcoming 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.

“First things first, though, we need to get the program funded, but letting everyone know our intentions, that will help,” team owner Richard 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. 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.”

Freeman purchased the Top Fuel operation from Josh Hart earlier this month — and now he has one of the motorsport’s most accomplished drivers behind the wheel.

“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. “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.”

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