Donny Schatz, a celebrated driver in the World of Outlaws, is set to begin a new era in 2026 by joining CJB Motorsports, following his departure from Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing after an almost twenty-year partnership. This move adds a significant development to Tony Stewart racing news as both organizations and drivers look toward a reshaped competitive landscape in sprint car racing.
Schatz Ends Longtime Alliance With Tony Stewart’s Team
Schatz’s decision to leave Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing came in August, concluding a period filled with championship runs and a strong professional bond. At 48 years old, Schatz makes this switch ahead of his 30th full season in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, leaving behind a notable legacy built in partnership with the NASCAR Cup Series legend. Team owner Tony Stewart reflected on their collaboration, stating,
“We’ve had a driver-team owner relationship that has gone beyond that partnership, he’s become part of my extended family through the years, and I have the utmost respect for him and what his career represents — a generational driving talent.”
Schatz’s final performance for Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing was at the 2025 Knoxville Nationals, where he achieved an eleventh-place finish, marking the end of an era. Kerry Madsen was announced as the replacement for Schatz in the No. 15 car to complete the remainder of the 2025 season. Stewart addressed the timing of the split by adding,
“We’re both competitors to our core and we both hold ourselves to a high standard of performance that we’ve struggled to obtain. Making a change now gives each of us the chance to reset and refocus before 2026.”
CJB Motorsports Welcomes Schatz for Their Return
The transition to CJB Motorsports signals both a fresh start for Schatz and a return to form for his new team, which last competed in the series with Spencer Bayston in 2023. Founded in 2005, CJB Motorsports boasts 52 victories in the World of Outlaws, recognized as The Greatest Show on Dirt, and now looks to bolster their reputation with the ten-time series champion at the wheel. Veteran crew chief Barry Jackson will work alongside Schatz as they aim to add to the team’s achievements in the sport.
Tony Stewart’s Next Chapter: Competing With His Wife
Adding another dynamic to his extensive career, Tony Stewart will step into the 2026 NHRA season with Elite Motorsports, entering a chapter marked by family rivalry. Stewart’s participation comes after choosing to leave his own Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster, making room for his wife, Leah Pruett, to resume her competitive driving following a period away from the track.
Despite Elite Motorsports sharing a marketing alliance with Stewart Racing, the couple will race as rivals for the duration of the NHRA season. Team owner Richard Freeman recognized Stewart’s impact on drag racing, stating,
“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. We’re excited that 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.”
Leah Pruett brings impressive credentials of her own to the raceways, holding 18 NHRA wins spanning Top Fuel, Pro Mod, and Factory Stock Showdown, with her latest triumph coming at the 2023 Norwalk Nationals held at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio.
Looking Ahead to 2026 for Racing Fans
The developments involving Donny Schatz, Tony Stewart, and CJB Motorsports ensure that the upcoming seasons in both the World of Outlaws and NHRA will attract attention from racing enthusiasts. The split between Schatz and Tony Stewart introduces fresh competitive storylines, while Stewart’s family rivalry with Leah Pruett adds further excitement to the motorsports calendar. As teams and drivers prepare for the next phase, both organizations and fans anticipate notable performances and new records across events such as the Knoxville Nationals and beyond, solidifying this as a compelling time in Tony Stewart racing news.
