The Tony Stewart Racing 2026 announcement has electrified the Sprint Car community, as Tony Stewart Racing will unite with leading driver Rico Abreu in a move that promises to reshape the sport. This major decision arrives just as the Sprint Car season’s speculation intensifies, signaling a new era for fans and competitors alike.
Major Shift at Tony Stewart Racing: End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter
Change swept through Tony Stewart Racing after the organization ended its record-breaking partnership with Donny Schatz, who spent 18 seasons and collected eight World of Outlaws titles alongside Stewart. The breakup marked the close of the longest owner-driver alliance in the sport’s history, shocking fans and insiders across the industry.
Tony Stewart openly reflected on this transition, stating,
You have to make that tough decision. In all honesty, I probably should have done it two years ago for the sake of our people.
— Tony Stewart, Team Owner
With the departure of Schatz, Stewart faced the pressing need to find a driver capable of matching his team’s competitive standards. The search concluded with the recruitment of Rico Abreu, currently a standout in the Sprint Car world, leading Kubota High Limit Racing and aiming for the 2025 championship.
Rico Abreu Joins Forces with Tony Stewart Racing in 2026
Rico Abreu is set to join Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) starting in 2026, as announced in a statement that quickly spread excitement through the racing community. Stewart expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership:
Rico has proven to be a tremendous talent behind the wheel, but also a great ambassador for the sport. Rico and I have been good friends for a long time, and I’ve always admired the way he races. He competes with passion, and he is the gold standard for the way he represents his partners and the sport. Rico is the complete package, and we’re genuinely excited to have him join our program.
— Tony Stewart, Team Owner
The upcoming collaboration will see Abreu, who has raced independently with Rico Abreu Racing, driving under the TSR and Curb-Agajanian Racing banners in High Limit Racing competition. The announcement, celebrated on social media, also disclosed a return for Ricky Warner, a respected crew chief well-known among World of Outlaws and Knoxville Nationals circles.
Building a New Team: Abreu Brings His Trusted Crew
The partnership extends beyond just the driver: Abreu will transfer his closest team members to TSR’s #24 team. This includes crew chief Ricky Warner, previously instrumental in Donny Schatz’s success at TSR, plus top mechanics Zack Middlebrooks and Brady Forbrook. The team’s chemistry and experience present a formidable unit for the 2026 campaign.
Abreu, discussing the significance of this move, commented,
For me, it’s just the chance to race for championships and crown jewels with one of the most successful teams in the modern history of the sport. It’s about having all the resources and to get the job done behind the wheel.
— Rico Abreu, Driver
The transfer reunites Warner with his former organization, after a period of success with Rico Abreu Racing. Their combined championship experience is likely to make TSR a top contender from the moment Abreu enters the competition.
Long-Standing Friendship Now a Professional Partnership
Tony Stewart and Rico Abreu have shared a close friendship since meeting at the 2012 Chili Bowl Nationals, and both have sought an opportunity to work together in an official capacity. Abreu initiated talks for the collaboration, which Stewart eventually accepted, blending their mutual respect and understanding with high ambitions for competitive success.
Many in the racing world see this partnership as a true meeting of accomplished individuals and teams. The Tony Stewart Racing 2026 announcement has also spotlighted the returning faces and established rivalries, building anticipation for the next High Limit Racing season.
What Lies Ahead for Tony Stewart Racing, Rico Abreu, and Sprint Car Fans
As the 2026 season approaches, the combined strengths of Tony Stewart Racing, Rico Abreu, and his trusted crew set the stage for a potential dynasty in Sprint Car racing. With Abreu still in pursuit of the 2025 Kubota High Limit Racing championship, attention will soon shift toward how he and his team adapt and perform under the prestigious TSR and Curb-Agajanian banners.
This high-profile alignment is expected to heighten competition and draw renewed interest to the sport, making the Tony Stewart Racing 2026 announcement one of the most impactful stories for fans, teams, and rivals in the Sprint Car universe. All eyes will be on Stewart, Abreu, and the strengthened #24 crew as they prepare for an electrifying new chapter in racing history.
.@TonyStewart addresses the split from Donny Schatz. ⬅️➡️@DaleJr | @TonyStewart_Rcg pic.twitter.com/3p5GHeXhlf
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 17, 2025
🚨🚨TONY STEWART/CURB-AGAJANIAN RACING 2026 NEWS 🚨🚨
Welcome to TSR, @Rico_Abreu & welcome back, @TrickRicky717
Rico Abreu To Drive for Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing Beginning In 2026 pic.twitter.com/5dc6w6hTTZ
— Tony Stewart Racing (@TonyStewart_Rcg) September 17, 2025
