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Tony Stewart’s Emotional NHRA Handover: Leah Pruett’s Return and the Impact of Fatherhood on Racing

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 14, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Tony Stewart’s Emotional NHRA Handover: Leah Pruett’s Return and the Impact of Fatherhood on Racing

Mar 9, 2025; Gainesville, FL, USA; NHRA top fuel driver Tony Stewart during the Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is known for his humility, often referring to himself as “just the fill-in guy.” This modesty was evident when he took over the seat of his wife, Leah Pruett, star of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), as she embarked on motherhood. However, the end of 2023 marked a significant shift in their lives when the couple decided to start a family, and Stewart assumed Pruett’s role in the TSR Dodge or Top Fuel Dragster.

While many anticipated Stewart’s stint in the NHRA to be short-lived, the arrival of their son Dominic in November of the previous year complicated matters. Pruett confessed that the journey back to the racetrack wasn’t going to be an easy one after becoming a mother. “After Dominic’s arrival, I realized I had much to learn about motherhood,” Pruett shared in January 2025. Despite the challenges, the drag racer is eager to return to the track, and Stewart is ready to step aside, albeit with a heavy heart.

In 2024, Stewart made a successful debut in the NHRA Top Fuel, with two final round appearances and four semifinal advances. His impressive performance, including a career-best run of 3.688 seconds at 334.73 mph, earned him a ninth-place finish in the overall points standings and the prestigious 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year award. This accomplishment added to his illustrious career, with championships in NASCAR, IndyCar, and USAC. However, the original driver of his NHRA Top Fuel vehicle is preparing for a return.

In a recent interview, Pruett, a 12-time NHRA race winner, confessed the challenge of balancing motherhood and racing. She admitted her uncertainty about returning to her 11,000 hp Top Fuel dragster but maintained her deep involvement with the team and the sport. Sitting beside her, Stewart confirmed his willingness to step aside whenever Pruett decides to return to the NHRA. “That race car is her race car. When she’s ready to get back in, I will not hesitate to step out,” Stewart declared, fighting back tears.

Pruett, however, is hesitant about displacing her husband from his newfound passion. “It’s about kicking Tony out of the seat. I think I’d have a harder time dealing with that,” she confessed. Despite the uncertainty, Pruett remains optimistic about the future, stating, “When I do jump right back in, I’m even more equipped with what I’ve been working on.”

The couple’s life took a joyful turn with the arrival of their son, Dominic. This new phase has deepened Stewart’s connection with fellow NASCAR Cup Series racer, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt Jr., a father of two, once told Stewart, “This is what’s missing in your life that you don’t realize you’re missing.” Now, as a father himself, Stewart relates to Earnhardt Jr.’s sentiment. He confessed how seeing his son’s smile could turn a bad racing day into a good one, hinting at the crucial role Dominic might play in the team.

As we look forward to the NHRA season, we wait with bated breath to see how little Dominic influences Tony Stewart’s performance. Regardless of whether Leah Pruett returns to her race car, there’s no doubt that Stewart’s heart is full.

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