In 2015, Tony Stewart made a move that stunned the racing world. “Smoke” revealed he would step away from full-time NASCAR competition after the 2016 season. After nearly twenty years, three Cup Series titles, and 49 wins, the racing legend announced it was time for a new chapter. Stewart emphasized that his decision wasn’t based on performance or pressure — it was simply the right time for change. Even though he was closing one door, he promised it was just the beginning of something new.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and Tony Stewart is far from slowing down. Instead of relaxing in retirement, he’s shifted into a higher gear—this time in NHRA drag racing. Though Stewart-Haas Racing eventually shut its doors in 2024, Stewart’s passion for competition has only grown. Now 53 years old, he’s making waves in the NHRA Top Fuel division, claiming his first Top Fuel victory at the Las Vegas 4-Wide Nationals and sitting second in the standings during just his second full-time season.
Stewart’s competitive fire hasn’t dimmed. In fact, he joked on the Rubbin’ is Racing podcast that he’s “too lazy to find a real job,” but quickly admitted he still wakes up every day eager to race. With racing roots running deep—his father Nelson still drives at 86—Stewart believes he has decades of driving left. NASCAR lost its appeal when it stopped being fun for him, but his love for racing never faded.
Beyond his own success, his wife Leah Pruett remains a force in the NHRA world, even after temporarily stepping back following the birth of their son, Dominic. The possibility of the Stewarts racing together in the future paints a picture of a family fueled by speed and passion.
Still, Stewart hasn’t stayed quiet about NASCAR’s current struggles. In candid interviews, he criticized the sport’s internal politics, rule changes, and disconnect with fans. Stewart pointed to the unnecessary complications around Kyle Larson’s attempt to run both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600, warning that NASCAR’s inability to listen to fans and competitors is hurting the sport’s future.
With high costs, frustrated fans, and shuttered teams like SHR, Stewart’s words strike a nerve. While NASCAR battles its identity crisis, Tony Stewart is busy crafting one of the most remarkable comeback stories racing has ever seen.
