Elite Motorsports owner Richard Freeman revealed a surprise development Wednesday while appearing on Joe Castello’s WFO Radio Podcast, sharing publicly for the first time his ambitious plan to expand his sprawling operation into the Top Fuel category. Freeman stated that none other than six-time NHRA Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders would drive an Elite Motorsports entry when that time comes.

Freeman’s commitment to Pro Stock racing, with his eight-car mega-team, has played a pivotal role in the category’s recent resurgence. However, his latest announcement indicates a bold expansion into the Top Fuel category, highlighting his vision for Elite Motorsports’ future.

“Well, I don’t think there is any secret that my passion is Pro Stock. I love it and have no interest in leaving it,” Freeman stated. “We are looking to possibly expand again into Top Fuel. I have two brand new trailers on order, and two new PDRC cars on order, and we will build the infrastructure while we work on the funding. I will make clear that we absolutely will not make that move until the proper funding is in place.”

While the details of the Top Fuel venture are still in the early stages, he says the plan involves having Erica Enders behind the wheel of a Top Fuel Dragster, in addition to her continued participation in Pro Stock.

“Right now, the rules don’t allow a driver to participate in two professional categories, but I’ve had many conversations with NHRA about making this possibility available,” Freeman adds. “We still have some challenges there, but they have agreed to work with us to make that possible, and that’s what we are going to do.”

Enders’ Pro Stock career has been one for the history books, and while has expressed interest in new challenges, she remains committed to her Pro Stock roots.

“When there is an announcement to be made, we will make it,” Enders said in a FloRacing report. “We are definitely looking into expanding our program, but I want to be clear. I love and am passionate about Pro Stock and would never give it up to race a dragster. It’s a good business opportunity and a way for us to continue to build our empire that is Team Elite. But, as for now, there is no announcement except that we are working on putting it together, and I am always up for a new challenge.”

Freeman said the formation of Elite Motorsports’ Top Fuel team will involve strategic partnerships and alliances with other Top Fuel teams. Freeman’s extensive network within the NHRA community, including relationships with teams like JHG (Tony Stewart Racing) and SCAG (Justin Ashley), as well as a strong friendship with the Torrence family, positions Elite Motorsports favorably for this venture.

“An alignment with another team is a must,” Freeman emphasizes. “We have a lot of relationships with other teams with our current teammates through JHG and SCAG. We also have a great friendship with the Torrence Family, so who knows the avenue we will go down.”