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Power Shifts in Top Fuel
Multi-team moves shake up NHRA Top Fuel going into 2026 By Nate Van Wagnen
Awave of major announcements has reshaped the NHRA Top Fuel landscape heading into 2026, setting up one of the most dynamic seasons in recent memory. In a matter of weeks, Brittany Force revealed plans to step away from full-time competition, Josh Hart confirmed he’ ll sell his Top Fuel operation to Elite Motorsports and move into Force’ s seat at John Force Racing, and Elite joined forces with Tony Stewart Racing to form a wide-ranging marketing and competition alliance that expands both groups’ reach in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
The Elite Motorsports and Tony Stewart Racing partnership aims to pool resources and offer marketing partners a combined presence across Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Competition Eliminator, and Pro Mod.
“ This alliance just makes so much sense,” said Elite team owner Richard Freeman.“ Tony and I have similar visions and share a desire to build basically a super team that can offer our partners the most and best options.”
Stewart echoed that enthusiasm, noting that both sides already see tangible benefits.“ It’ s taking all of our assets and creating a situation where we have a lot to offer partners,” Stewart said.“ Richard and I have a great friendship, and I think that’ s what great partnerships start out as. Putting our two teams together is just going to make for a very strong alliance.”
The alliance will also serve as the foundation for a new Top Fuel effort. Elite Motorsports has purchased Josh Hart’ s Top Fuel operation, with Stewart set to drive the Elite dragster after passing his current driver’ s seat back to wife Leah Pruett. A later announcement revealed that R + L Carriers, which previously supported Hart’ s Top Fuel program, will move its backing to Stewart and the new Elite Top Fuel dragster. Elite Pro Stock drivers Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield also have plans to make passes and earn their Top Fuel licenses in the car.
Force, a two-time Top Fuel world champion, announced that she will step away from driving at season’ s end to focus on starting a family with her husband, Bobby. The news came just as the Countdown to the Championship began.
“ I’ m grateful to my team and all our success together,” said Force, who competed for the past 13 seasons.“ I know there is still so much out there for this David Grubnic and John Collins-run team and we are in the works of keeping them together under the John Force Racing umbrella. Their hard work and dedication over the years have meant the world to me, but I’ m excited about starting a new chapter in my life.”
“ I’ m really proud of Brittany and all she’ s accomplished,” said Brittany’ s father, JFR founder and CEO John Force.“ She’ s won races, set records, and captured two world championships. Her presence in this sport will be greatly missed. Her mom, Laurie, and all her sisters are proud, as well, and we’ re all looking forward to seeing what the
next chapter of her life holds.”
John Force Racing wasted no time filling the vacancy, signing Hart to a multi-year deal beginning with the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals. Hart, who built his own operation from the ground up, will now race under the JFR banner with primary backing from his Burnyzz Speed Shop and guidance from Brittany Force’ s longtime crew chiefs, Dave Grubnic and John Collins.
“ I’ ve always said,‘ anything’ s possible,’ and this opportunity proves it,” said Hart.“ No one can replace Brittany Force and what she’ s done for the sport, but I’ m ready to learn from the best. My goal is to keep learning, winning races, and chasing championships as a driver and teammate.”
John Force called the move a perfect fit:“ He’ s a family guy and a businessman. John Force Racing is evolving, and Josh brings the kind of energy and focus we need. Our team is going to keep growing and winning championships with Austin, Jack, and Josh.”
Between Force’ s exit, Hart’ s move into one of drag racing’ s most prestigious seats, and the emergence of the Elite-Stewart alliance, Top Fuel is undergoing a major reshuffle. With the 2026 season marking the NHRA’ s 75th anniversary, these announcements set the stage for a milestone year – one defined by new alliances and new faces ready to write the next chapter in Top Fuel history. DI
PHOTOGRAPHS BY NHRA
46 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated. com Issue 197