Leah Pruett, a 12-time Top Fuel event winner, is making a highly anticipated return to NHRA competition with Tony Stewart Racing in 2026 after a two-year break taken to start a family. The Redlands, California native paused her driving career following her best-ever third-place finish in the 2023 season to welcome her son, Dominic, born on November 17, 2024.
Longstanding Career and Recent Hiatus
Pruett has been involved in NHRA events for 27 consecutive years, first joining the Jr. Drag Racing League at age eight. She boasts a distinguished career, highlighted by winning the 2010 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series championship in the Nostalgia Funny Car class, as well as the 2018 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown title. Her top performance includes a best elapsed time of 3.631 seconds and a recorded top speed of 334.15 miles per hour.
During her break, her husband Tony Stewart, who is also the team owner, took over the driver’s seat in the organization’s Dodge Top Fuel dragster. Stewart not only managed Pruett’s seat but also plans to compete in the truck series while preparing for the 2026 season.
Adjusting to Motherhood While Staying Connected to Racing
Motherhood has offered Pruett a fresh perspective on her career, influencing her priorities and approach. Despite stepping away from racing temporarily, she remained actively involved with the team’s technical partners to maintain the dragster’s performance standards. This continued interaction kept her connected to the sport even during her hiatus.
Racing Against Her Husband in the 2026 Season
When Pruett resumes driving, she will face a new dynamic on the track, competing directly against Tony Stewart in the Top Fuel category. This unique situation will require both professional and personal adjustments as they face off in the exhilarating, high-stakes environment of NHRA competition.
Creative Venture: Children’s Book Release
Alongside her racing career, Pruett has authored a 30-page hardcover children’s book titled
Winning Attitudes with Leah: A Children’s Reading and Activity Book
. Targeted at children between 4 and 6 years old, the book introduces an ABC-themed layout using racing vocabulary such as burnout, clutch, and acceleration, aiming to blend education with the excitement of motorsports.
The book also features a QR code providing access to a digital read-along version narrated by Pruett, accompanied by 13 interactive games focusing on spelling and math skills. Currently, the book is available for pre-sale at tsrnitrobooks.com.
Preparations Underway for the Upcoming Season
Pruett is scheduled to begin vehicle testing in the near future as she gears up for the competitive 2026 NHRA season, which will officially launch during the first weekend of March in Gainesville, Florida. Her return marks an eagerly awaited moment for her fans and the NHRA community, signaling a strong comeback following her successful break.
Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect
Leah Pruett’s return promises to intensify the competition within NHRA, particularly due to her rivalry with Tony Stewart on the track. Her career accomplishments, combined with the perspective gained from motherhood, may influence her approach and performance in the coming seasons. Additionally, her children’s book project reveals her commitment to inspiring younger generations beyond racing.
More details regarding her racing activities and the latest about her book can be accessed through her official website, leahpruett.com, offering updates for fans and parents alike interested in her multifaceted journey.
