Aaron Stanfield has spent years perfecting the craft of shifting gears and reading clutch curves in Pro Stock. Now, the multi-time winner from Elite Motorsports is preparing to trade that for a steering wheel in one of drag racing’s most powerful machines — a Top Fuel dragster.
Stanfield is counting down the days until he can test and license in the new Elite Motorsports Top Fuel entry, a project spearheaded by team owner Richard Freeman and NASCAR legend Tony Stewart. For Stanfield, who cut his teeth in Top Dragster before joining the Pro Stock ranks, the chance to experience 11,000 horsepower is the kind of challenge he’s been building toward his entire career.
Stanfield said the move doesn’t mean he’s stepping away from Pro Stock, but rather adding to his driving resume. “I really love Pro Stock and the fact that it’s very technical,” he said. “But I think in the things I’ve done in my career, I’ve prepared myself to be able to do something like that and drive in two different categories. For myself, that would be the goal.”
He’s aware of NHRA’s current rule limiting professional drivers to one category per event, but believes that could evolve. “I know some things have to happen for that to happen,” Stanfield said. “But currently, right now, I’m set to test and license in a Top Fuel car. As far as I know at this point, that’s what I’m going to get to do.”
The opportunity comes as Elite Motorsports expands beyond its championship-winning Pro Stock operation. Team owner Richard Freeman announced earlier this year that Stewart would join the organization as a partner in the Top Fuel venture, with plans to debut the dragster in 2026.
For Stanfield, the chance to work alongside a driver of Stewart’s stature adds even more motivation. “To have somebody like Tony Stewart come onboard with our program is pretty special,” Stanfield said. “Of all the things he’s accomplished in motorsports, and to see how humble he is, and the student approach he takes to motorsports, it’s incredible to me to be able to get to be a part of that and see it.”
He added, “It’s eye-opening, for sure. Yeah, I’m just looking forward to our future.”
Stanfield has never been one to shy away from a challenge. He grew up in the shadow of his father, Greg Stanfield — a multi-time Pro Stock winner himself — and quickly built a name by mastering everything from Stock Eliminator to Top Dragster before joining Elite Motorsports in 2020. The diversity of those experiences, he said, has prepared him to handle whatever a nitro car throws at him.
“I haven’t driven a Top Fuel car, so I don’t know what it’s going to be like, but I’m sure it’s intense,” Stanfield said. “I can imagine.”
When reminded that Kenny Koretsky was the last driver to compete in both Top Fuel and Pro Stock at the same event, Stanfield smiled at the history lesson. “Yep, I know Kenny raced my dad,” he said. “I think I would’ve been pretty young when that was happening, but I do remember that. I know Johnny Gray bounced back between the two.”
Stanfield believes the dual-driver concept is possible with the right people and preparation. “I think it can definitely be done, just need NHRA to allow it,” he said. “And I think I’ve prepared myself for something like that. I’ve showed I can drive two different cars in the same weekend and do them both justice.”
He credited his current team and Freeman’s vision as the foundation for success. “Especially when we have the group of guys around us that we do, we have an incredible team,” he said. “And I’m sure knowing Richard Freeman, he’s going to build an incredible Top Fuel team as well.”
🔥 48-HOUR SALE! 🔥 Odd-lots, short-lots, closeouts & display shirts — all priced to move! 🏁 Get authentic https://t.co/jcAfIG1TiW gear for as low as $10 👕💥
— Competition Plus (@competitionplus) November 6, 2025
When they’re gone, they’re gone!
👉 https://t.co/ZWQRwUgEQb #DragRacing #NHRA #CompetitionPlus #PEAKSquad #Sale… pic.twitter.com/UOWDUKCRSP
He added, “It’s eye-opening, for sure. Yeah, I’m just looking forward to our future.”
Stanfield has never been one to shy away from a challenge. He grew up in the shadow of his father, Greg Stanfield — a multi-time Pro Stock winner himself — and quickly built a name by mastering everything from Stock Eliminator to Top Dragster before joining Elite Motorsports in 2020. The diversity of those experiences, he said, has prepared him to handle whatever a nitro car throws at him.
“I haven’t driven a Top Fuel car, so I don’t know what it’s going to be like, but I’m sure it’s intense,” Stanfield said. “I can imagine.”
When reminded that Kenny Koretsky was the last driver to compete in both Top Fuel and Pro Stock at the same event, Stanfield smiled at the history lesson. “Yep, I know Kenny raced my dad,” he said. “I think I would’ve been pretty young when that was happening, but I do remember that. I know Johnny Gray bounced back between the two.”
Stanfield believes the dual-driver concept is possible with the right people and preparation. “I think it can definitely be done, just need NHRA to allow it,” he said. “And I think I’ve prepared myself for something like that. I’ve showed I can drive two different cars in the same weekend and do them both justice.”
He credited his current team and Freeman’s vision as the foundation for success. “Especially when we have the group of guys around us that we do, we have an incredible team,” he said. “And I’m sure knowing Richard Freeman, he’s going to build an incredible Top Fuel team as well.”
