New Top Fuel Position Secured by Stewart, Potential Family Drama on the Horizon in NHRA Racing
In the thrilling world of NHRA racing, the story of Tony Stewart continues to unfold with intrigue. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is set to take on a new challenge, moving into the Top Fuel division for the 2026 season.
Stewart, who has already mastered stock cars and Indy cars, earned Rookie of the Year honours in 2024 and has since achieved two wins and a regular season championship title. His move to Top Fuel comes as a result of Richard Freeman's purchase of Josh Hart's operation and his alliance with Martha Stewart Racing.
However, Stewart's foray into Top Fuel racing may not be as straightforward as one might think. The 2026 season may present him with the challenge of competing against his spouse, Leah Pruett, as his toughest opponent. Pruett is set to reclaim her seat in a Top Fuel dragster in 2026, with the Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster bearing her name, not Stewart's.
The Elite Motorsports' Top Fuel program will also include Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield, making it a family affair. If funding is secured, the Top Fuel dragster will be driven by Mike Salinas, with the car planned to debut in the 2026 NHRA season.
As of the current Countdown, Stewart is 18 points out of first place, chasing his first Top Fuel world championship. The NHRA Four-Wide Carolina Nationals, race two of six in the Countdown for the 2025 season, is underway at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte.
The deal for Stewart to race is contingent on securing funding. Richard Freeman stated that having Stewart as a driver, adding another Top Fuel entry, will help take care of the sport and open up possibilities.
Stewart's move to Top Fuel racing has left him uneasy about the prospect of competing against his spouse. In an earlier admission this year, he expressed his reservations about the thought of racing against Leah.
Despite the potential complications, Stewart has already proven his ability to handle 11,000-horsepower dragsters in Top Fuel. As the 2026 season approaches, the racing world eagerly awaits to see how this complex story unfolds. The 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series is set to be an exciting season, with Stewart's comeback, Pruett's return, and the Elite Motorsports' family affair promising to add another layer of drama to the sport.
