Tony Stewart to Compete Against Wife Leah Pruett in 2026 NHRA Season

Tony Stewart, the celebrated NASCAR Hall of Famer, is set to continue his drag racing career in the 2026 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) season, where he will compete against his wife, Leah Pruett. On Thursday, Stewart revealed that he will drive a Top Fuel dragster for Elite Motorsports next season. This announcement comes shortly after he confirmed plans to hand his NHRA seat back to Pruett, who has been on a break for over a year following the birth of their son, Dominic.

Pruett will return to her role at Tony Stewart Racing in 2026, marking a significant moment as the couple prepares to race against each other, despite their teams maintaining a marketing alliance. Team owner Richard Freeman expressed enthusiasm about Stewart’s involvement, noting, “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.”

Freeman, who recently acquired the Top Fuel operation from Josh Hart, highlighted the potential impact of having one of motorsport’s most accomplished drivers competing in his team. He stated, “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.”

Stewart acknowledged the transition, saying, “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.” He also noted the limitations of his current team, explaining, “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.”

This upcoming season will mark Stewart’s third year in Top Fuel. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 1997 IndyCar champion received the NHRA Rookie of the Year honors in 2024 and achieved two Top Fuel wins this year. As the NHRA season approaches its conclusion, Stewart currently sits second in points, with five races remaining.

As both Stewart and Pruett prepare for their 2026 campaigns, fans of drag racing can anticipate an exciting dynamic as they balance their personal and professional lives on the racetrack.