Tony Stewart shared his thoughts on the unusual experience of competing against his wife, Leah Pruett, in NHRA Top Fuel racing. Despite never expecting to race her before, he described it as a no-win situation, highlighting the complex emotions involved in facing off on the track. Stewart also discussed the personal and professional challenges tied to this unique family dynamic.
Stewart Reflects on the Challenge of Racing His Wife
The three-time NASCAR champion, Tony Stewart, revealed that racing his wife Leah Pruett creates a tricky balance of competition and family life. He jokingly pointed out that if he wins, tension might rise at home, possibly resulting in him being relegated to the couch. Conversely, losing would subject him to social media ridicule for being bested by his spouse.
Stewart explained that initially, he never thought competing directly against Leah would be a possibility and hesitated about the idea altogether. The stress of either outcome—winning or losing—felt overwhelming in different ways, making it a stressful prospect. However, in a candid interview with Kevin Harvick on the Happy Hour podcast, Stewart admitted he had underestimated how reality might unfold, stating,
“I said I would not race against my wife, I lied to myself obviously.”
He expanded on the awkward dynamics, saying,
“I didn’t think that would even be a possibility, nor did I honestly, at first, and on paper, think that was a good idea. 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.”
Despite the potential personal tensions, Stewart remains optimistic about the fun and excitement of lining up beside Leah in competition. He noted,
“I still think it’s going to be fun. I think our personalities can definitely handle that, and, you know, first and foremost, before the race team, our relationship and our family come first.”
Leah Pruett’s Return to NHRA Top Fuel After Hiatus
Leah Pruett is preparing to return to NHRA Top Fuel racing after a two-year break she took to start a family with Tony Stewart. Her time away from the sport has deepened her understanding of motherhood, and she expressed sincere appreciation for the support from Tony, their team, and partners during this period.
Pruett said,
“I’d first like to thank Tony, the team, and our partners for allowing me the necessary time on my hiatus to start our family, learn motherhood, and welcome me back.”
With an impressive career boasting 18 wins, including 12 in Top Fuel, Leah returns with strong credentials. She holds a top speed of 336.4 mph in drag racing, a velocity far surpassing the 200-plus mph speeds typical for NASCAR stock cars on superspeedways. Her comeback coincides with Stewart entering his third Top Fuel season after stepping away from NASCAR team ownership following Stewart-Haas Racing’s closure in 2024.
Team Dynamics and Family Milestones
Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett’s relationship began in 2019, culminating in their marriage in Los Cabos, Mexico, in 2021. The couple recently celebrated a significant family milestone when their first child, Dominic James, was born during the NHRA season finale at Pomona Raceway in November 2024. This event marked a joyful conclusion to Stewart’s debut Top Fuel season, in which he earned Rookie of the Year honors, a notable achievement highlighting his adaptability and skill in drag racing.
Leah will once again pilot the Tony Stewart Racing Dodge, the same car Stewart drove before stepping back to support their family. Their partnership, both on and off the track, represents a unique merging of personal and professional commitments that requires careful navigation. Stewart’s acknowledgment that family takes priority shines through despite their competitive challenges.
Implications of Racing Within a Family
Facing his wife as a competitor places Tony Stewart in a rare and intense situation rarely seen in professional motorsports. The tension and pressure of competing against someone so close carry risks beyond standard rivalries. Stewart’s candid remarks reveal the emotional complexities behind the scenes that fans often do not witness. This dynamic introduces a new, personal layer to the NHRA Top Fuel scene, attracting attention to the intersection of family and competition at the highest levels.
Their situation also illustrates how professional drivers balance the demands of racing with the importance of maintaining family bonds. It will be intriguing to see how their relationship and performances evolve throughout the upcoming season, as both manage the pressures of personal rivalry and sporting ambition.
He'll be driving an NHRA Top Fuel car for Elite Motorsports in 2026. @TonyStewart tells @KevinHarvick about the unique opportunity to race against his wife @LeahPruett_TF. pic.twitter.com/vUZnHtpSog
— HarvickHappyHour (@HarvickHappyPod) September 18, 2025
