by Jerry Bonkowski; Photos by NHRA, Josh Moss
While his equipment has been sold to Elite Motorsports and for Tony Stewart to possibly drive next season, Josh Hart isn’t leaving NHRA competition.
Hart was asked Friday morning while preparing for the second session of qualifying of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway near Charlotte if he plans on racing next year.
“100%, not a question,” Hart replied. “It never even entered into my mind not to race. I couldn’t believe some of the press that came out of my statement. I just don’t want to and never did intend to own a Top Fuel team.”
Hart would not disclose his plans for 2026, including whether he’ll stay in Top Fuel or move to another NHRA class, but it’s likely he’ll either join an existing team or become a driver for hire.
The Ocala, Fla. resident and business owner currently drives the R+L Carriers/TechNet dragster. He comes into this weekend’s third race of the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs 10th in the Top Fuel standings, 202 points behind leader Doug Kalitta.
Hart’s decision to sell his equipment caught many by surprise. But increased responsibilities with his growing Ocala-based Burnyzz Speed Shop – which specializes in custom hot rods and classic muscle cars – prompted Hart to divest himself of team ownership while still continuing his driving career.
“I never intended to own a Top Fuel team, and the hand that I was dealt pushed me in that direction,” Hart said, indicating that to have an opportunity to race in Top Fuel, he had to create his own team at the time.
“We followed the standard operating procedure on how to build a Top Fuel team. I think we did a heck of a job. Our stuff is second to none, but it’s just not working for me, and what I mean by that is I have a huge business back home that a lot of people don’t know about yet.
“I feel like that business grew up at the same time that my race team did, and it’s not fair to either side for me to split the time and try to be the best I can be at either one and to my family. So this move, to me, is very important to my future in NHRA, and I can now focus on my family (and) I can focus on Burnyzz Speed Shop.
“Elite Motorsports and (owner) Richard Freeman, he’s always been good to me. They’re getting a heck of an operation where they don’t have to apologize for anything or anyone.”
Knowing that his team and equipment will be getting a new lease on life for 2026, Hart wants to finish 2025 strong.
“I pledged my allegiance to my team to make sure that they landed softly,” Hart said. “I love those guys. They’ve been great to me. I want to try to get them a Wally before the end of the year. Obviously, we got four more shots of doing that.”
