Leah Pruett will resume her NHRA racing career in the 2026 season following a hiatus that began with the birth of her son, Dominic, with NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart over a year ago. During this time away, Stewart took over driving duties in her NHRA Top Fuel seat.
As Pruett gets ready to make her comeback, Stewart has addressed questions regarding his plans after stepping down from full-time NHRA competition.
Tony Stewart’s Decision to Step Back from Full-Time NHRA Racing
After successfully racing in Pruett’s place, Tony Stewart announced that he plans to retire from full-time Top Fuel driving next season. While he has had a strong performance, the spotlight will soon shift back to Pruett.
I’m excited to see Leah get back in a race car,
Stewart remarked when her return was officially confirmed.
She’s done such an amazing job of becoming a mother and going through a whole year of pregnancy and our first year with Dominic (their son).
I know deep down inside that she wants to drive that race car really bad, so I’m just excited to see her get that opportunity again. I appreciate what she’s done to help our family and help this entire race team,
he added.
She’s been a very critical part of this team’s success and projects that we’re working on, so she hasn’t sat on her hands by any means, but first and foremost, I know she wants to drive that car more than anything,
Stewart concluded.
Stewart’s 2025 Season and Uncertain Future
In the 2024 season, Stewart finished ninth in the Top Fuel points and earned the NHRA Rookie of the Year award. His momentum continued into 2025 with wins at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas and the Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Illinois.
He secured the 2025 NHRA Regular Season Championship at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis and currently leads the Top Fuel points standings heading into the Countdown at Maple Grove.
However, Stewart has yet to finalize his plans for next year. NASCAR insider Kelly Crandall quoted Stewart saying,
I don’t have set plans, yet. We’re working on it,
adding that
This was always the plan for Leah to come back and drive her race car. I knew from day one that it was temporary.
At this point, it remains unclear what role Stewart will take once Pruett officially returns behind the wheel in 2026. He has acknowledged his enjoyment for competition but also indicated a desire to explore other opportunities beyond being a professional driver.
Leah Pruett’s Racing Legacy and Team Dynamics
Leah Pruett’s drag racing career began at age eight, and she has since accumulated 12 NHRA Top Fuel victories. In 2023, she reached a career-best third place in Top Fuel standings, marking her best finish in 14 years.
Upon her return, Pruett will join forces with Funny Car driver Matt Hagan, a four-time champion who recently signed a multiyear extension with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) after securing the team’s first Funny Car title in 2023.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Pruett’s Return and Stewart’s Next Chapter
Leah Pruett’s return to NHRA competition represents an exciting new chapter for both her and the team, highlighting the family’s strong involvement in motorsports. Stewart’s decision to step away from full-time Top Fuel driving opens questions about his future role within racing or other ventures.
With Pruett eager to get back behind the wheel and the team solidified around promising drivers and champions like Hagan, the 2026 NHRA season is anticipated to be one of growth and transition for Tony Stewart Racing.
