LEAH PRUETT Returns to Top Fuel in 2026 After Starting Family with Tony Stewart

September 9, 2025

by Alex Harrington // from www.newsweek.com

• LEAH PRUETT will return to Top Fuel competition in 2026 with Tony Stewart Racing, reclaiming her seat after taking time off to start a family with NASCAR legend Tony Stewart. The 12-time Top Fuel winner tested earlier this year in Richmond, confirming her passion for racing remains intact despite her hiatus for motherhood.
• During her absence, PRUETT stayed deeply involved in team operations in administrative and management roles, working closely with crew chiefs Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala. Her husband Tony Stewart stepped in as her replacement driver and has dominated the season, earning NHRA Rookie of the Year honors while currently leading the Top Fuel standings heading into the championship playoffs.
• PRUETT’s return marks a homecoming for both her and Dodge, as she’s been part of the Dodge/Mopar family since 2016 and achieved her career-best third-place Top Fuel standings finish in 2023. She’ll rejoin the two-car Tony Stewart Racing operation alongside four-time Funny Car champion Matt Hagan, bringing her proven track record of three wins between 2022-2023 with the current crew chief combination.

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