Tony Schumacher Will Join Tony Stewart Racing in 2027

The eight-time Top Fuel champion will take over the seat vacated by Leah Pruett.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Motorsports

Abstract expressionist illustration of a Top Fuel dragster in a high-speed burnout, rendered with dynamic brush strokes. — Tony Schumacher will join Tony Stewart Racing starting in 2027, taking over the Top Fuel seat vacated by Leah Pruett. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Tony Schumacher is set to join Tony Stewart Racing in January 2027 following the departure of Leah Pruett. Pruett announced her decision to step away from Top Fuel racing after the 2026 season to focus on her family.

Why it matters

The move marks a significant transition for one of the sport's most storied competitors as he leaves Rick Ware Racing. Pruett, who currently holds fifth place in the 2026 NHRA standings, is stepping away to prioritize personal and family life.

Tony Schumacher brings a career record of eight NHRA Top Fuel championships and 88 national level wins to his new team. He currently trails the series leader by 204 points, while Leah Pruett maintains a tighter margin at 105 points back.

The players

Tony Schumacher

He is a veteran professional drag racer and the holder of eight NHRA Top Fuel world championships.

Leah Pruett

She is a Top Fuel driver who has decided to step away from professional racing after the 2026 season.

Tony Stewart

He is the team owner of Tony Stewart Racing and a former NASCAR champion who won the 2023 Funny Car World Championship.

Rick Ware Racing

This is the current racing organization that employs Tony Schumacher through the conclusion of the 2026 season.

The details

Leah Pruett initiated the transition by personally offering her seat to Schumacher following a discussion at the Dodge NHRA Great Lakes Nationals. Schumacher will finish the remainder of the 2026 season driving for Rick Ware Racing before moving to the Stewart team.

Tony Stewart and Tony Schumacher first met in 2009.
Leah Pruett announced her upcoming retirement on September 18, 2026.
Tony Schumacher begins his new role with Tony Stewart Racing in January 2027.

Season Trajectory

This transition signals a strategic pivot for Tony Stewart Racing as it seeks to maintain its championship-level status following the exit of one of its top drivers. The move significantly impacts the competitive balance of the Top Fuel class for the 2027 season.

Schumacher carries his 2,013-point performance history into a new organization that is looking to defend its status among the elite Top Fuel entries. Fans should track his integration into the Stewart garage, which currently manages a championship-caliber infrastructure.

The takeaway

Schumacher's transition to a new team demonstrates the high level of player movement possible even among the sport's most experienced veterans. Drivers at this level often prioritize long-term organizational stability when planning their final years of competition.