Leah Pruett is making a triumphant return to the NHRA scene, reigniting her motorsport career after a significant hiatus to embrace motherhood alongside NASCAR icon Tony Stewart. The 12-time Top Fuel champion is set to rev her engines once again for Stewart’s team, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), in the 2026 season, marking a sensational comeback that has fans buzzing with excitement.
After stepping back from the competitive drag racing circuit in 2024 to focus on family, Pruett is ready to reclaim her spot on the track. She welcomed her first child, Dominic James Stewart, last November during the NHRA Finals in Pomona, California, a moment that saw Stewart briefly leave his semifinal race to be with her. Once the family welcomed their newborn, Stewart returned to compete, finishing ninth in the Top Fuel standings and earning the prestigious title of 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year.
“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,” Pruett expressed in a recent statement. Her eagerness to return to the driver’s seat was fueled by a successful test session in Richmond earlier this year, which rekindled her passion for racing.
During her absence, Pruett didn’t sit idly; she immersed herself in the inner workings of the TSR team, working closely with crew chief Neal Strausbaugh and car chief Mike Domagala. Her contributions have been pivotal, as Tony Stewart himself acknowledged, stating, “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 took the wheel of the TSR Top Fuel dragster in Pruett’s absence, achieving remarkable success with wins at the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas and the Route 66 Raceway. He was crowned the regular season champion at the NHRA US Nationals in Indianapolis, showcasing his talent and commitment as a capable stand-in for Pruett.
While the excitement builds for Pruett’s comeback, the future of TSR remains shrouded in mystery, especially regarding their plans for the 2026 season. The team also fields a Funny Car driven by 2023 champion Matt Hagan, but with Stewart having closed Stewart Haas Racing after the 2024 season, the landscape is ever-changing.
As Leah Pruett gears up for her return to the track, the motorsport world watches with bated breath. Her journey from competitor to mother and back again is a testament to her determination and passion for racing. The roar of the engines and the thrill of competition await, and Pruett is ready to reclaim her place among the elite in Top Fuel drag racing.
