LEAH PRUETT Returns to Shake Up NHRA’s 75th Anniversary Season

January 6, 2026

• While the NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary with diamond-themed Wallys and fancy new venues, the real story for 2026 is LEAH PRUETT’s return to Top Fuel competition. She’s back with Tony Stewart Racing, adding serious firepower to a category that was already stacked with talent like Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, and Justin Ashley.
• The timing couldn’t be better for Pruett’s comeback – this anniversary season promises “wide-open competition” with multiple teams having legitimate championship shots. After significant offseason shuffling (looking at you, Austin Prock leaving John Force Racing), we’re getting a completely reshuffled competitive landscape that should work in favor of hungry drivers ready to make their mark.
• What makes Pruett’s return particularly compelling is that she’s joining a season where NHRA is doubling down on storytelling and fan engagement. Between the new “Chasing Speed” docuseries and enhanced digital content, there’s never been a better time for a driver with her profile to capitalize on increased visibility while battling for wins across four new venues including South Georgia Motorsports Park and Maryland International Raceway.

75th anniversary, nhra mission foods drag racing series, nhra top fuel, tony stewart racing