Elite Motorsports, already the largest team in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, will expand into Top Fuel in 2026 after purchasing the operation of team owner and driver Josh Hart.
Elite team owner Richard Freeman confirmed an agreement has been signed to acquire Hart’s entire Top Fuel program at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The move marks a significant step for the Pro Stock powerhouse as it ventures into drag racing’s nitro ranks.
“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,” Freeman said. “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.”
Elite Motorsports’ entry into Top Fuel extends a portfolio that already includes as many as nine Pro Stock entries in the NHRA series. The organization also competes in the JHG Mountain Motor Pro Stock class, fields a Congruity Pro Mod entry, and campaigns in Competition Eliminator. In addition, Elite supports numerous Lucas Oil NHRA Sportsman programs.
For Freeman, the expansion underscores the importance of people and partnerships. He said the Top Fuel purchase is not about abandoning current efforts, but about growing the team in a way that fits its long-term goals.
“This is all made possible thanks to the people and partners we already have,” Freeman said. “This team is successful because we are a family, that family is just looking to expand, but we aren’t leaving anything behind and we aren’t going to move forward if we don’t have the right assets in place, but by the end of 2025, I think we will.”
Elite has long been regarded as one of the most successful operations in Pro Stock, consistently fielding championship contenders and developing new drivers. Its move into Top Fuel is expected to draw significant attention, given the organization’s depth of resources and track record in building competitive programs.
The announcement also comes at a pivotal time for NHRA. As the sanctioning body begins its 75th season and launches the Countdown to the Championship this week at Maple Grove Raceway, the addition of another major player in Top Fuel adds momentum for the sport’s highest-profile class.
Freeman said the team’s focus will remain on the current season while laying the groundwork for the Top Fuel debut. For now, Elite Motorsports continues to chase titles in multiple categories while building toward its next challenge.
“As the NHRA Countdown to the Championship begins this week at Maple Grove Raceway with the NHRA Reading Nationals, our goal is to finish 2025 strong,” Freeman said. “At the same time, we are preparing for the future, and that future includes Top Fuel.”
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