“My goal is simple: don’t suck, don’t get fired by my wife, and don’t crash while driving this thing,” said Tony Stewart upon announcing his NHRA racing plans for 2024. His wife, Leah Pruett, took a temporary step back from racing to prepare for motherhood, and Stewart openly acknowledged her as his superior in the sport. Pruett’s accomplishments, including 18 NHRA victories and balancing her career with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, indeed make her a formidable role model.
For Stewart, her example proved invaluable as he tackled his first full season in NHRA’s Top Fuel category. His debut was impressive, with appearances in two final rounds, four semifinals, and a spot in the Countdown to the Championship, ultimately finishing ninth in Top Fuel points. Along the way, he credited Leah, a Top Fuel veteran with 12 class wins, three Pro Mod victories, and three Factory Stock Showdown titles, for her guidance and support.
Stewart’s journey in motorsports is unmatched—winning championships in IndyCar, USAC, and NASCAR Cup Series. However, transitioning to NHRA brought its own set of challenges. Steering an 11,000-horsepower dragster against seasoned competitors was no easy task, but Leah’s expertise helped him navigate the learning curve.
After the couple welcomed their first child, Stewart returned to Pomona and posted a career-best run of 3.688 seconds at 334.73 mph. Despite being eliminated in the semifinals by Doug Kalitta, he secured a top-ten finish in points and was named NHRA’s Rookie of the Year.
Reflecting on his experience, Stewart expressed gratitude: “Winning this award is a huge honor. The NHRA is one of the most diverse motorsports series I’ve been a part of, and I’ve had an incredible time promoting and growing the sport.”
Stewart also gave special thanks to Leah and fellow racer Matt Hagan for their mentorship. “I’m so grateful to Leah for this opportunity and to Matt for their support throughout the season,” said the NASCAR Hall of Famer. Tony Stewart Racing’s NHRA team, which debuted in 2022 in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series’ Top Alcohol Dragster ranks, made the leap to Top Fuel in 2024. For Stewart, it’s been a thrilling addition to his storied racing career.
