Leah Pruett’s grounded and pragmatic approach to her racing career shines through in her decision to take a step back from competing this season. The NHRA Top Fuel driver, who last raced during a Pro shootout nearly a year ago, recently shared her perspective on the matter during an interview on the Mighty Mack YouTube channel. For Pruett, the decision isn’t just about stepping away—it’s about prioritizing the greater good for her team and career.
Reflecting on her time away from the dragstrip, Pruett admitted she deeply misses the thrill of racing. “I’m itching really bad, and I’ll just have to keep itching,” she said with a laugh. However, she emphasized that her choice to sit out stems from a strategic, team-oriented perspective rather than personal desires.
“I even told my crew chief I might run the pro event because I want to,” she shared. “But from a business standpoint, it doesn’t make sense.” Her reasoning lies in a new chassis introduced by Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) during the NHRA World Finals. “Tony had a new chassis at the World Finals that hadn’t been run all year, and it performed really well. It tested great in Vegas. That’s what we’re rolling into the pro race with,” Pruett explained.
By stepping aside, Pruett is ensuring that the team can focus on refining the car without the added complexity of her return. “It wouldn’t make sense for me to jump back in just for fun and take away from the team’s ability to test what they need to,” she said. While it’s bittersweet to remain on the sidelines, Pruett hasn’t ruled out future opportunities. “Who knows? Maybe Tony catches a cold, and I’ll have to jump in for a race,” she joked.
For now, Pruett’s decision underscores her commitment to the team’s success. Though her absence from the driver’s seat is temporary, it speaks volumes about her dedication as both a racer and a team player.
