Tony Stewart may be stepping away from NASCAR following the conclusion of Stewart-Haas Racing, but his involvement in motorsports is far from over. The three-time Cup Series champion is shifting his focus to NHRA drag racing, where he’ll step in for his wife, Leah Pruett, once again next season.
Stewart, who previously filled in for Pruett last year, explained her decision to prioritize family over racing. “I’ll be back in the Top Fuel car next year,” Stewart told Speed Sport. “Leah has decided she wants to focus on being a mom this first year. Honestly, she’s just over two weeks out from giving birth to Dominic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few more weeks, she’s ready to get back behind the wheel of a Top Fuel car.”
Pruett and Stewart welcomed their first child, Dominic, earlier this month. Stewart shared his admiration for how well his wife has adjusted to motherhood. “She looks incredible. You’d never guess she just had a baby. It’s amazing how strong and resilient she is. But for now, she’s choosing to embrace her role as a mom next year.”
Stewart’s NHRA debut this season was a success, earning him the Rookie of the Year title in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Reflecting on the achievement, Stewart said, “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award. The NHRA features some outstanding drivers, and it’s one of the most diverse motorsports disciplines I’ve experienced. I’ve truly enjoyed working with the series to help grow and promote the sport.”
The decision to step into drag racing coincides with the end of Stewart-Haas Racing, which wrapped up operations after over two decades in NASCAR. During its tenure, the team secured two Cup Series championships, both won by Stewart, and an Xfinity Series title in 2023, earned by Cole Custer.
As Stewart gears up for another NHRA season, it will be exciting to see how he performs while representing his wife for a second year.
