Leah Pruett returned to the Tony Stewart Racing Top Fuel dragster for a test session in early 2025, less than a day after the Virginia NHRA Nationals. She took the wheel of her familiar No. 14 TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster for practice at Virginia Motorsports Park, signaling a possible comeback.
This testing occurred just ahead of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals weekend on June 29, with Tony Stewart Racing sharing a video of Pruett suited up and ready to drive. Her brief return to the cockpit highlights the ongoing connection she maintains with the team during her break from full-time racing.
Background on Leah Pruett’s Career and Hiatus
Leah Pruett, a highly skilled drag racer known for her aggressive racing style, paused her full-time NHRA career to start a family at the beginning of the 2024 season. With 12 Top Fuel wins and numerous final–round appearances, her presence in the sport is notable. Pruett and crew chief Neal Strausbaugh decided that Tony Stewart would assume driving duties for the team while she welcomed her and Stewart’s first child, Dominic James Stewart, in November 2024.
Since taking a step back, Pruett has remained engaged with Tony Stewart Racing, frequently attending races and team events. Monday’s test drive marked her first time back in the Top Fuel dragster this year, offering a hopeful sign for fans awaiting her potential full-time return to NHRA competition.
Tony Stewart’s Progress During Pruett’s Absence
While Leah Pruett focuses on her family, Tony Stewart has completed his second year filling in full-time behind the wheel, developing from a difficult rookie season into a serious contender in Top Fuel. He has consistently made finals, including at the Winternationals in Pomona and the New England Nationals in Epping.
Stewart secured his initial Top Fuel victory at the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, followed by another triumph in Chicago. Additionally, he won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge in Bristol and achieved his first No. 1 qualifier position there, underscoring his growth and adaptation to the class.
Challenges at the Virginia Nationals and First-Round Success
Heading into the Virginia NHRA Nationals, Stewart had strong momentum, but qualifying proved difficult. Mechanical problems hindered the No. 14 TSR dragster, preventing it from completing a competitive pass with speeds stalling below 80 mph during three qualification attempts, resulting in a 14th-place start.
This setback forced Stewart into a tough first-round match against top qualifier Brittany Force, who had defeated him recently at the New England Nationals final. However, the Tony Stewart Racing team worked overnight to fix the issue, and Stewart responded with a 3.872-second run—the quickest elapsed time of that round—eliminating Force and extending his perfect first-round record to eight-for-eight in 2025.
Semifinal Outcome and Points Leadership Maintained
Stewart earned a bye into the semifinals but faced Shawn Langdon next. Unfortunately, Stewart red-lit on the starting line with a reaction time of -0.093, which effectively ended his run as Langdon advanced. Langdon ultimately won the final against Justin Ashley, though the result is under review due to a potential infraction concerning Langdon’s Kalitta No. 4 vehicle.
Despite this setback, Stewart preserved his lead in the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series standings with 700 points through eight events, demonstrating his consistency and progress throughout the season so far.
Future Prospects for Leah Pruett and Tony Stewart Racing
Leah Pruett’s recent test in the Tony Stewart Racing Top Fuel dragster is a strong indication she may soon return to full-time racing. Her ongoing relationship with the team and her early 2025 test session suggest she remains deeply invested in the sport. Meanwhile, Tony Stewart continues to build on his experience, contributing to the team’s momentum in a highly competitive NHRA season.
This transition period is pivotal for the Tony Stewart Racing organization as they navigate driver changes and maintain competitive performances. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Pruett officially resumes her racing career and how Stewart’s promising season will unfold.
