LEAH PRUETT Returns to NHRA Ready to Beat Student-Husband Tony Stewart

February 26, 2026

• LEAH PRUETT makes her highly anticipated return to NHRA Top Fuel competition this March after a 27-month hiatus for motherhood, having given birth to son Dominic in November 2024. While media outlets prematurely declared her retired, she never officially quit and maintained her passion for the sport throughout her break. The 37-year-old returns with unfinished business after narrowly missing the 2023 championship in a heartbreaking final round loss to Doug Kalitta.
• In a unique twist, PRUETT will face off against her husband and former student Tony Stewart, who kept her seat warm at Tony Stewart Racing while she was away. Stewart has moved to Elite Motorsports to drive their first-ever Top Fuel dragster, setting up potential husband-vs-wife showdowns throughout the season. Both racers have embraced the competitive dynamic, with PRUETT confidently stating she’s “set to beat him and he knows it.”
• During her time away from the cockpit, PRUETT served as a hands-on consultant and coach for Stewart’s development, reversing their original teacher-student relationship when he entered drag racing. She stayed deeply involved with team operations and strategy, gaining valuable outside perspective that she plans to apply to her comeback. The competitive fire returned immediately when she got back behind the wheel, with her describing how her “competitive spirit jumped right out again” despite initial concerns about whether her passion remained.
• PRUETT’s return comes with a strong support system led by co-crew chiefs Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala, plus car chief Ryan McGilvry. She’s approaching the comeback strategically, having used recent testing at Gainesville to work through new fuel systems, engine tuning, and various technical upgrades. With 12 career Top Fuel wins already under her belt, she’s targeting that elusive first championship while acknowledging it may take some time to fully shake off the rust from her extended absence.

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