Josh Hart, owner and driver of a Top Fuel team, confirmed Tuesday he is exploring the sale of his racing operation as the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads into its final stretch.
Hart, who currently sits eighth in the Countdown to the Championship standings, said he will begin conversations with potential buyers while still focusing on finishing the season strong. His announcement follows speculation about the future of his program, which has competed in NHRA’s premier category for five years.
“There have been a lot of people talking recently about my team’s future. I am looking at all my options and one of them is seeing who might be interested in my Top Fuel racing operation,” Hart said. “I am blessed to be able to chase my dream of winning a Top Fuel world championship and this season has opened my eyes to what is important. I have nothing but love and respect for all my team members and will be supporting all efforts for a smooth transition if or when the time comes. My family is growing up, Burnyzz Speed Shop is looking to expand nationally, and I want to be able to give everyone and everything in my life the attention they deserve.”
The two-time national event winner and Pep Boys Allstar Callout champion emphasized that his decision is not a reflection on NHRA. Hart pointed to the sport’s long history and noted that the sanctioning body is entering its 75th season as drag racing’s premier series.
“Over the past five seasons I have had many positive and some not so positive experiences as a team owner,” Hart said. “I think the sport is strong and there is serious upside, but I am evaluating if the juice is worth the squeeze as a team owner. This is just the beginning of an exciting future and as I have always said Anything’s Possible.”
Hart has built his team into a respected operation during his time in Top Fuel. While his driving accomplishments have brought recognition, he said his decision is motivated by family priorities and business growth outside the racetrack.
The Ocala, Florida, businessman operates Burnyzz Speed Shop, a collector car dealership and custom automotive facility. With expansion plans underway, Hart said he wants to devote more time to those responsibilities while ensuring his team and sponsors are taken care of.
NHRA has seen ownership changes and team sales in the past, often linked to the economic realities of professional drag racing. Hart’s situation is different, he said, because his focus is on balance rather than immediate financial pressure. Still, the possibility of a sale underscores the challenges of fielding a competitive Top Fuel program in today’s racing environment.
Hart reiterated his commitment to finish the 2025 season at full strength. His team will compete this weekend at the 40th NHRA Reading Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, where he hopes to improve his position in the Countdown.
“Finishing strong is my only goal right now,” Hart said. “I owe it to my sponsors, my team, and the fans to give everything I have the rest of the way.”
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