Leah Pruett, who recently became a mother after welcoming her first child with Tony Stewart, opened up about her journey into motherhood and her plans for a return to racing. The couple, married in 2021, celebrated the birth of their son, Dominic James Stewart, on November 17, 2024. A seasoned Top Fuel racer with 12 national race wins, Pruett took a break from her racing career in 2024 to focus on her new role as a mother. During an interview with Behind the Catch Fence, Pruett expressed her excitement about returning to NHRA racing in the future, but emphasized that for now, motherhood is her top priority.
“As much as I can’t wait to get back into a dragster, that moment isn’t coming in 2025,” Pruett said. “I’m looking forward to it, but I’m not letting that distract me from being with my baby.” Pruett also reflected on the joys of being a new mom, sharing how quickly her son is growing and changing. “His face changes every day, and he’s growing so fast. Our phones are filled with pictures and videos of him just being a baby. I’m capturing every moment, keeping it in my heart, because before I know it, he’ll be walking and talking, and soon, talking back to Tony!” she added, expressing how much she is enjoying this special time.
While Leah Pruett takes a break from racing, Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, stepped in to compete in the NHRA Top Fuel division. Stewart, who drove the Top Fuel dragster for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in the 2024 season, finished ninth overall and was named NHRA Rookie of the Year. Pruett’s absence from the track is a temporary change, as she began her Top Fuel career in 2013 with Dote Racing after racing in Pro Mod and Nostalgia Funny Car. She joined TSR in 2009, winning her first national event in 2016. She has consistently finished in the top 10 and reached her career-best third place in the 2023 points standings.
Leah also shared updates on her new life as a mother on Instagram, saying that her one-month-old son, Dominic, had completely altered her routine. “Dom has for sure taken over my sleep schedule—and my camera roll,” she wrote. “He’s over a month old now and already mastering his responsibilities: Eat, sleep, toot, and look cute.” She also posted a picture of Dominic dressed in a “Best Gift Ever” outfit, alongside a red wagon gifted to them by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage.
Meanwhile, Tony Stewart celebrated a significant milestone this year, marking the 25th season of full-time competition for Tony Stewart Racing. Stewart is also preparing to compete in the NHRA Top Fuel division in the upcoming season.
