NHRA: Aaron Stanfield earns Top Fuel license in Texas

Aaron Stanfield, the Elite Motorsports Pro Stock driver, has taken a step toward Top Fuel racing in a dragster: on Monday 19 October 2026 he completed his Top Fuel license requirements at Texas Motorplex, the day after the NHRA Texas FallNationals.

A 3.760-second pass in Dallas

As part of the alliance between Elite Motorsports and Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), Stanfield drove Leah Pruett's Top Fuel dragster. His pass: 3.760 seconds at 281.83 mph. He was guided by Pruett, Tony Stewart and crew chiefs Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala.

According to the sources, he mainly expected seat time while Pruett's team tested parts. In the end he met the last requirement of his license straight away.

The first tests at Indianapolis

The process began in August with a private, two-day test at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. Stanfield got his first experience in Elite Motorsports' R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster, with crew chiefs Mike Green and Joe Barlam and guidance from Stewart and Pruett.

On 18 August he made two passes:

• 4.043 seconds at 230.41 mph in the first;
• 3.794 seconds at 318.92 mph later that afternoon.

What next?

Stanfield says he enjoys the new sensations of Top Fuel and wants to keep learning: he mentions the possibility of competing in the class, though the sources announce no commitment. He thanks Pruett, Stewart and the R+L team for his preparation.

Elite Motorsports has filmed his journey and plans to share the footage on a forthcoming YouTube channel, with launch details to be announced.