Leah Pruett Returns to NHRA Competition
The prominent driver Leah Pruett will make her return to NHRA competition next season. This announcement comes just over a year after welcoming her child with NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart. Stewart has been driving the Top Fuel Dragster for Tony Stewart Racing since Pruett stepped away before the 2024 season to focus on starting a family. Her son, Dominic, was born in November of that same year. Pruett has been involved in the daily operations of TSR for the last two seasons, collaborating with partners on marketing initiatives and assisting team leaders with technical projects.Pruett also added that a test in Richmond earlier this year “validated my enthusiasm and passion for racing in Top Fuel” and delayed the announcement of her return in 2026 while she and Stewart focused on the current season. Pruett, who started racing in dragsters at age 8, has won 12 times in the NHRA Top Fuel category. In 2023, Pruett achieved a third-place finish in the overall Top Fuel standings, the best result of her 14-year career. Matt McAlear, CEO of Dodge, commented that Tuesday’s announcement makes Pruett feel like he’s “coming home.”I would like to thank Tony, the team, and our partners for allowing me the time needed to start our family, learn to be a mother, and welcome me back.
Leah Pruett
Stewart finished the 2024 season in ninth place in the Top Fuel standings and earned the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year title. So far in 2025, Stewart has achieved two Top Fuel victories at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas and the NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Illinois. Secured the 2025 NHRA Regular Season Championship at the 71st Annual NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and enters the Countdown to the Championship at Maple Grove Raceway leading the Top Fuel points. His plans for 2026 have not yet been decided.We appreciate the incredible work that team owner and motorsports legend Tony Stewart is doing in substituting for Leah in the race car as the couple starts their family with their son Dominic, and we will continue to cheer for Tony as he fights for the 2025 NHRA Top Fuel championship.
Matt McAlear
Pruett will join current Funny Car driver Matt Hagan, a four-time Funny Car champion, who secured TSR’s first championship in 2023. Hagan signed a multi-year contract extension with TSR earlier this year.I’m excited to see Leah get back in a race car.
Tony Stewart
