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17h ago

Elite Motorsports Taps Tony Stewart for 2026 Top Fuel Seat, Pending Funding

The plan hinges on sponsorship following Elite’s purchase of Josh Hart’s Top Fuel operation under a marketing alliance with Tony Stewart Racing.

Tony Stewart looks on during the Auto Club 500 NASCAR race at the California Speedway on February 23, 2008 in Fontana, California.
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Retired NASCAR Cup Series driver, Tony Stewart, co-owner of Stewart-Hass Racing, NASCAR looks on during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 04, 2023 in Avondale, Arizona.

Overview

  • Team owner Richard Freeman confirmed the acquisition from Josh Hart that underpins Elite’s planned Top Fuel entry.
  • Six-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield will test and license in the Elite dragster as part of the program build-out.
  • Stewart said Leah Pruett will reclaim the Direct Connection Dodge//SRT seat in 2026, setting up a possible head-to-head if Elite’s car is funded.
  • Stewart noted TSR is not positioned to add a second Top Fuel entry, making the Elite alliance his route to remain a driver while continuing as an owner.
  • In 2025, Stewart has two Top Fuel wins and the regular-season title and is second in the Countdown standings by 18 points with five races remaining.