Leah Pruett shared her reaction to Tony Stewart’s serious crash during the NHRA Reading Nationals held at Maple Grove Raceway on September 13. The incident occurred during the Top Fuel race, marking the start of the ‘Countdown to the Championship,’ as Stewart competed against Doug Kalitta in the second round of eliminations.
During the race, Kalitta won the round but his car lost its left front tire after crossing the finish line. As both drivers entered the shutdown area, Kalitta’s vehicle unexpectedly drifted into Stewart’s lane, causing Stewart’s dragster to briefly flip before crashing into the wall. Kalitta’s car ultimately stopped near the centre line.
Details of the Incident and Pruett’s Emotional Response
Though Tony Stewart exited the crash without major injuries, Leah Pruett described the moment as harrowing. Speaking on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, she recounted the terrifying sequence of events and the unnerving silence that followed the crash.
“All of this massive smoke and then first thing I heard over the PA was oh, and their parachutes are tangled and dug its into Tony. And then it’s just pure silence. And I go to radio, Check Tony and, Silence. Nothing there.”
She continued to express the intense anxiety she felt in those moments, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
“So just, you know, trying to think of the best case scenario, definitely not the worst. Very scary, but it’s part of what you subscribe for, I guess, like a small percentage of it. But yeah. Let’s not do that anymore,” she added.
Tony Stewart’s Condition and Impact on Championship Standings
Following the crash, Tony Stewart reported concussion symptoms but has confirmed his participation for the upcoming second race in the Countdown. Entering the playoffs as the regular-season champion, Stewart’s standing has since dropped to second place, trailing Doug Kalitta by 19 points after the incident.
Racing Dynamics Between Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett
Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett, married since 2021, share a unique dynamic as both compete in NHRA events. Pruett briefly stepped away from racing during her pregnancy last year, during which Stewart drove for Tony Stewart Racing Nitro. Now, Pruett is planning a return for the 2026 season, setting up an intriguing competition between the couple.
Stewart expressed his feelings about racing against his wife during the same podcast episode.
“I said I would not race against my wife, I lied to myself obviously….I thought if we race each other and we win, I get kicked to the couch for an undisclosed amount of time. If I lose, then I have to sit there and listen to my phone blow up about how I got my a** kicked by my wife,” he said.
Despite the friendly rivalry, Stewart believes they can handle the pressures that come with competing against one another. Pruett will return to TSR Nitro while Stewart is set to drive for Elite Motorsports in 2026.
Leah Pruett’s Recent Test Drive Signals Return to NHRA
Leah Pruett recently completed a private test at Virginia Motorsports Park, organized by Stewart’s team. This was her first time back behind the wheel of a Top Fuel dragster, occurring 499 days after her hiatus from NHRA competition. This test signifies an important step toward her official comeback and adds anticipation for the upcoming season.
Why the Crash Matters for the NHRA Championship
Tony Stewart’s crash at the Reading Nationals has significant implications for the NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship and the drivers involved. Stewart’s slip from first to second place tightens the competition with Doug Kalitta leading by a narrow margin. Both drivers will be under intense pressure in upcoming races, striving to secure the championship title. Meanwhile, Leah Pruett’s return could bring fresh dynamics to the competition, particularly with her and Stewart both competing in the same series next season.
It was his first crash at 300+ mph. @TonyStewart and @LeahPruett_TF talk with @KevinHavick about Stewart's wreck at the NHRA Reading Nationals. pic.twitter.com/mcZPofqips
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) September 18, 2025
