Tony Stewart has officially confirmed he will remain competing in the NHRA Top Fuel class, continuing his pursuit for the 2025 series championship alongside top contenders such as Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley, and Shawn Reed. While Stewart has not yet revealed his plans for the 2026 season, his immediate focus remains on the ongoing title battle.
Partnership with Elite Motorsports and Acquisition of Josh Hart’s Program
Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman announced that Stewart is set to pilot the dragster recently acquired from owner-driver Josh Hart. Although a formal agreement is not finalized, Freeman is currently seeking funding and potential marketing partners to launch the new team. This strategic move represents a significant expansion for Elite Motorsports, aiming to strengthen their presence in Top Fuel racing.
Freeman emphasized the importance of securing financial backing before moving forward, stating,
“First things first, though, we need to get the program funded, but letting everyone know our intentions, that will help.”
Diversifying Driver Lineup and Cross-Discipline Testing
To support this effort, Freeman revealed that Elite Motorsports’ top Pro Stock stars Erica Enders, a six-time champion with 50 wins, and Aaron Stanfield will undergo testing in the Top Fuel dragster. This preparation opens the door for new opportunities as the team grows in collaboration with Tony Stewart Racing. The partnership between Stewart’s team and Elite Motorsports aims to broaden the competitive scope and incorporate talented drivers across classes.
Historic Husband-Wife Competition on the Dragstrip
As Stewart competes in Top Fuel, his wife Leah Pruett is also racing in the same class as part of Tony Stewart Racing. Together, they form the third husband-and-wife duo competing directly in professional drag racing, following in the footsteps of John Smith and Rhonda Hartman-Smith, as well as Pro Stock Motorcycle champions Matt and Angie Smith. This dynamic adds a unique and compelling narrative to the sport.
Stewart’s Dual Role as Driver and Team Co-Owner
Beyond driving duties, Stewart will maintain his position as a co-owner of the racing team, reinforcing his commitment both on and off the track. Richard Freeman highlighted Stewart’s versatility and impact by saying,
“Tony is a great driver. We all know he can drive anything,”
and added,
“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.”
Elite Motorsports’ Vision for Growth and Sport Advancement
Freeman views Stewart’s involvement as a positive development for the sport’s future.
“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,”
Freeman explained. This approach promises to increase competitive diversity and elevate NHRA Top Fuel racing visibility.
Experienced Coverage from Veteran Motorsports Journalist
Veteran motorsports writer Susan Wade, with nearly 30 seasons covering drag racing and a reputation for focusing on human-interest stories, continues to provide in-depth reporting on the sport’s evolving landscape. A Seattle–area resident originally from Indianapolis, Wade has earned accolades such as the Russ Catlin Award and contributed to prestigious outlets like the Chicago Tribune, Newark Star-Ledger, Seattle Times, and Autoweek. Her insights contextualize these latest developments in the NHRA circuit.
