Following Leah Pruett‘s return to the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), her husband Tony Stewart has shared thoughts about his future involvement in racing. Although the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has no confirmed plans yet, he acknowledged his desire to race again at some point.
In a recent conversation with motorsports insider Bob Pockrass, the 54-year-old Stewart expressed that while he enjoys watching his wife compete, the urge to get behind the wheel remains strong. Despite no definite commitments at this time, Stewart revealed ongoing discussions about possible racing opportunities.
“Everybody knows me. I’m a spectator for a little while and then I get the itch and want to be behind the wheel of something. I don’t have set plans yet. We’re working on it. I’ve been in conversations with a lot of different people over the course of the last month or so. There’s definitely some things in the works, just nothing that’s 100 percent solidified yet,” Tony Stewart said. (0:21 onwards)
Leah Pruett took a break from NHRA competition after the 2023 season to focus on starting a family with Stewart. In her absence, Tony filled in as driver for the 2024 NHRA season, piloting a Top Fuel Dragster. The Indiana native earned Rookie of the Year honors that year and went on to secure his first 2025 Four-Wide Nationals win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Tony Stewart’s enthusiasm for Leah’s return despite his uncertain racing future
While Tony Stewart remains without a confirmed ride, he is enthusiastic about Leah Pruett rejoining the NHRA circuit. Leah stepped away last year as the couple welcomed their son, Dominic, highlighting her return as a significant moment for their family and racing team.
Stewart emphasized his excitement for Leah’s racing comeback even if his own plans to compete do not materialize.
“Even if it all falls through and I don’t end up with a ride next year, I’m excited to see Leah back in the car. We started TSR Nitro because of Leah, and I can’t wait to see her do what she loves to do,” Tony Stewart said.
Stewart’s last full-time NASCAR Cup Series season was in 2016. Over 18 years, he became one of the sport’s most decorated drivers, claiming 49 Cup wins and three championships, including a title as co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) in 2011.
He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020, and continued co-ownership of SHR alongside Gene Haas until the team closed operations following the 2024 season.
Tony Stewart’s possible return to NHRA racing would mark another chapter in a distinguished and varied motorsports career. His involvement so far, from stepping in for Leah to securing victories, demonstrates his adaptability and skill across racing formats. As conversations progress, fans will be watching closely to see if Stewart takes the wheel again, while Leah resumes her competitive journey in the NHRA spotlight.
