Elite Motorsports and Tony Stewart have begun building excitement for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with a strategic partnership announcement rather than a full vehicle reveal. The team recently confirmed that R+L Carriers, a well-established family-owned freight company, will be the primary sponsor of Stewart’s Top Fuel dragster for the upcoming season opener at the NHRA Gatornationals, March 6–8, at Gainesville Raceway in Florida.
R+L Carriers, operating more than 21,000 tractors and trailers across North America, is known for prioritizing innovation in technology, safety, and infrastructure. Their multiyear commitment to sponsoring Elite Motorsports reflects a shared focus on long-term goals and strong values.
Richard Freeman, owner of Elite Motorsports, emphasized the natural fit between his team and R+L Carriers.
We’re excited to have R+L on board here at Elite Motorsports,
Freeman said.
It started with just a conversation and ended with an understanding. With our marketing and hospitality alliance with Tony Stewart Racing Nitro and how we’re looking to expand, it was a natural and easy decision.
Tony Stewart’s Shift to Elite Motorsports Amid Family and Racing Changes
Stewart’s transition to Elite Motorsports comes after a significant pivot in his racing career linked to family developments. Earlier races had Stewart behind the wheel for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro, but the news that his wife, Leah Pruett, will return to top-tier competition in 2026 altered the team dynamics. Pruett had taken a break from full-time racing to devote time to their son, Dominic, and her comeback means she will reclaim the TSR Top Fuel seat.
Instead of stepping away from the Top Fuel category, Stewart chose to continue competing by joining Elite Motorsports. This decision marks a meaningful change, allowing the Stewarts to compete individually yet closely in the same high-profile series.
Alongside Stewart’s move, TSR Nitro and Elite Motorsports have forged a marketing and hospitality alliance designed to expand sponsor engagement and fan experiences across multiple racing categories, including Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Competition Eliminator, and Pro Mod.
This partnership provides sponsors with broader exposure, deeper access to events, and more comprehensive activation opportunities throughout the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
R+L Carriers’ Involvement Extends Beyond Sponsorship
For R+L Carriers, the sponsorship extends well past branding the car; it is about joining a community and enhancing company culture.
We see a unique opportunity at Elite Motorsports, beyond the performance on the racetrack,
said Roby Roberts, Owner and CEO of R+L Carriers.
With their vast number of drivers and the alliance with Tony Stewart Racing Nitro, the level of hospitality and the experiences they can offer to our employees is what sets them apart. Elite Motorsports are a family of their own and we’re excited to join a team that shares our mentality.
Dodge Likely Continues its Support Behind Stewart’s New Team
Although the 2026 dragster has yet to be unveiled, teaser photos show Stewart dressed in fire-resistant gear bearing noticeable Dodge branding on his helmet and suit. While no formal confirmation has been made, this strongly suggests that Dodge remains involved with Stewart’s racing efforts as an associate sponsor, maintaining brand continuity through his shift to Elite Motorsports.
This potential Dodge association fits well with the automaker’s performance-centric marketing and ongoing participation in NHRA competition, providing significant visibility on a powerful, highly watched platform.
Looking Forward: A Season of Transition and Partnership
The 2026 season will represent a new chapter for Tony Stewart, combining stability in his participation in the challenging Top Fuel category with fresh opportunities under a new team banner. Meanwhile, Leah Pruett’s return brings renewed energy and a compelling story of husband and wife competing at the sport’s highest level, each affiliated with prominent teams.
With the partnership between Elite Motorsports, TSR Nitro, and their new sponsor R+L Carriers, the NHRA landscape is set for an engaging and dynamic season. This collaboration is anticipated to strengthen sponsor connections, enhance fan engagement, and elevate the competitive spirit on and off the racetrack.
