Tony Stewart Racing and Elite Motorsports have formed a comprehensive partnership in the NHRA, aiming to enhance sales, marketing, and hospitality for both organizations. This Tony Stewart Elite Motorsports NHRA alliance brings together resources to attract new sponsors, expand class participation, and boost their presence in the NHRA Drag Racing Series.
The formal agreement merges Stewart’s Top Fuel and Funny Car teams with Elite’s extensive line-up in Pro Stock, Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Pro Mod, and Competition Eliminator categories. Tony Stewart expressed strong support for the plan, highlighting its collaborative nature and the advantages it brings for future partners.
“Our partnership with Elite Motorsports and Richard Freeman and his group is unique. It’s taking all of our assets that we have with TSR and Elite Motorsports … and creating a situation where we have a lot to offer partners and potential partners down the road. We will be pooling our assets together and working together to try to fund these race cars. This is a unique strategy that Richard came up with, but I really buy into the concept of it,” he said in a team statement.—Tony Stewart, Owner/Driver
Expanded Capabilities Through Team Collaboration
Elite Motorsports currently operates the largest professional drag racing operation in NHRA, featuring Pro Stock stars such as Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Troy Coughlin Jr., Aaron Stanfield, Greg Stanfield, and the Cuadra family team. Mike Coughlin leads their Mountain Motor Pro Stock contingent, Royce Freeman manages Competition Eliminator, and Mason Wright represents them in Pro Mod events.
Tony Stewart Racing complements this roster with Matt Hagan racing in Funny Car, while Tony Stewart himself takes the wheel in Top Fuel for the 2024 season, succeeding Leah Pruett. The partnership allows both organizations to offer an unrivaled spectrum of hospitality and sponsorship opportunities within the sport.
Richard Freeman, owner of Elite Motorsports, emphasized the synergy and ambition behind the new alliance.
“This alliance just makes so much sense. Tony and I have become good friends, and we’ve realized that we’re a lot alike. We have similar visions and share a desire to build basically a super team that can offer our partners the most and best options. Taking care of the brands and people we have and being able to offer opportunities for those relationships to grow … that’s really what it’s about.”—Richard Freeman, Elite Motorsports Owner
By combining operations, the alliance ensures stability for existing drivers and teams like Greg Stanfield, Aaron Stanfield, Matt Hagan, and the Cuadra family while broadening their collective marketing and business reach. This development comes on the heels of Elite Motorsports acquiring Josh Hart’s Top Fuel program, marking its first entry into nitro competition and signaling significant growth for the organization.
Elite Motorsports Poised for Top Fuel Entry
Tony Stewart, now in his second NHRA season, has quickly emerged as a title contender in Top Fuel, piloting the No. 14 TSR Dodge dragster. He recently secured the 2025 Regular Season championship and currently tops the standings, adding wins in Las Vegas and Chicago to his résumé.
Although Elite Motorsports has established dominance in Pro Stock and related classes, it has not previously competed in Top Fuel. Richard Freeman confirmed plans to change this with the ongoing acquisition of Josh Hart’s program, expected to close by the end of the year.
“We’ve talked about this for a long time, even bought a Top Fuel car in the past with the hopes of getting into nitro, but it didn’t play out. Now it feels like the right time. We are actively pursuing sponsorships and partners but also looking for the right people and team to run the program once we are fully funded. It’s going to happen, and I’m excited about the possibilities,” he said (via NHRA).—Richard Freeman, Elite Motorsports Owner
With this acquisition, Elite Motorsports secures a path to NHRA’s premier class and will be able to compete alongside Tony Stewart not just in Pro Stock and Pro Mod, but also in Top Fuel. No driver has been named yet for the upcoming nitro venture, but the addition ensures an expanded presence and new opportunities for sponsors and fans alike.
Josh Hart, a two-time U.S. Nationals winner, confirmed his intention to sell, though he has not yet announced where he will race in 2026. As Elite finalizes its Top Fuel lineup, this transition remains a key storyline to follow within the drag racing community.
A New Era for NHRA Partnerships
The alliance between Tony Stewart Racing and Elite Motorsports represents a pivotal shift within NHRA circles, forging one of the most complete professional teams across multiple categories. By joining forces, both organizations enhance their competitive edge, marketing capabilities, and value to sponsors, with prominent figures such as Erica Enders, Greg Stanfield, Leah Pruett, Mason Wright, Matt Hagan, and the Coughlin family benefiting from the expanded platform. As the 2025 season progresses, the impact of the Tony Stewart Elite Motorsports NHRA alliance is expected to be closely watched by sponsors, fans, and competitors throughout drag racing.
