R+L Carriers has signed a multi-year agreement to become the primary sponsor of the Elite Motorsports Top Fuel dragster to be driven by motorsports legend Tony Stewart beginning with the 2026 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series season.
The partnership marks a major addition to Elite Motorsports’ growing Top Fuel program, further solidifying the team’s alliance with Tony Stewart Racing Nitro. The deal will debut at the season-opening NHRA Gatornationals, March 6–8, 2026, at Gainesville Raceway in Florida.
Founded in 1965, R+L Carriers is a family-owned and operated transportation company with a fleet of more than 21,000 tractors and trailers. The Ohio-based carrier focuses on technology-driven logistics, safety initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving driver performance and customer experience.
“We see a unique opportunity at Elite Motorsports, beyond the performance on the race track,” said Roby Roberts, owner and CEO of R+L Carriers. “With their vast number of drivers and the alliance with Tony Stewart Racing Nitro, the level of hospitality and the experiences they can offer to our employees is what sets them apart. Elite Motorsports are a family of their own and we’re excited to join a team that shares our mentality.”
R+L Carriers has maintained a visible presence in NHRA drag racing for the past five years as the primary sponsor of Josh Hart Racing. That relationship evolved when Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman purchased Hart’s Top Fuel operation earlier this season.
Freeman said the relationship was built on shared values and long-term vision. “We’re excited to have R+L on board here at Elite Motorsports,” Freeman said. “It started with just a conversation and ended with an understanding. With our marketing and hospitality alliance with Tony Stewart Racing Nitro and how we’re looking to expand, it was a natural and easy decision. We look forward to taking care of them for years to come.”
Hart is grateful for the time he spent as the face of R+L in NHRA Mission Foods Championship Drag Racing. “R+L served as more than just a sponsor on my race car, Roby is a longtime friend, and we’ve done business for years, that will continue no matter what happens in drag racing,” Hart said. “They were looking to create an expanded program.”
This is just the latest news from Elite Motorsports, which recently hired veteran tuner Mike Green, most recently crew chief for SCAG Racing. In addition to Stewart driving, Elite plans to license Pro Stock drivers Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield behind the wheel of the dragster Freeman will take delivery of from Hart.
