Leah Pruett’s Bombshell ‘Dodge Mom’ Reveal Ignites Racing World at Gainesville Press Conference
The racing universe hit the brakes when Leah Pruett, NHRA icon and wife of NASCAR legend Tony Stewart, dropped a jaw-dropping revelation at Gainesville Raceway that’s still echoing through the sport. “I’m a Dodge Mom,” she declared with a laugh, sending shockwaves through fans and media alike. For a 12-time Top Fuel National Event winner who stepped away from the driver’s seat in late 2024 to welcome son Dominic James Stewart, this wasn’t just a quip—it was a bold signal of her unbreakable bond with racing and a tease of a comeback that’s got everyone buzzing. As Tony Stewart holds down her seat in their Dodge-powered dragster, Pruett’s latest words hint at a future where motherhood and nitro-fueled glory collide.
Pruett’s hiatus began after a soul-searching decision in 2024 to prioritize family with Stewart, her husband of two years. “Time isn’t gender-neutral, especially for a female racer,” she told the Associated Press, reflecting on the personal stakes that led her to pause a career that peaked with a third-place NHRA finish in 2023. On November 17, 2024, hours before the NHRA Finals, she gave birth to Dominic, handing the reins to Stewart. The three-time NASCAR champ didn’t disappoint, clinching ninth in the 2024 standings and NHRA Rookie of the Year honors with two final-round runs. Meanwhile, Tony Stewart Racing locked in a multi-year Dodge deal, cementing a powerhouse foundation that could fuel Pruett’s return.
Far from sidelined, Pruett remains the heartbeat of the team. She’s knee-deep in pit crew strategy, fine-tuning setups between diaper changes, and mentoring her squad while Dominic naps. “I’ve kept busy on purpose so I don’t lose involvement,” she confessed at Gainesville. “When I jump back in, I’ll be more equipped than ever.” Her dual life—newborn chaos meets nitro precision—defines her now. At 36, she’s swapped fire suits for midnight feedings, yet the track’s pull is undeniable. Stewart marvels at her juggling act: “She’s not sitting on her hands—she’s working the pit with a full schedule.” With Dodge’s muscle backing them, Pruett’s “Dodge Mom” mantra feels like a promise: she’s not done racing—she’s just recharging.
Stewart’s role? A self-proclaimed “fill-in guy” ready to step aside the second Pruett’s ready. “That race car is hers,” he insists. “If she says mid-season, ‘I want back in,’ I’ll gladly get out—probably crying, but I won’t hesitate.” His support underscores their synergy, built around Pruett and Funny Car ace Matt Hagan. Yet, her path back isn’t without hurdles. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, complicates her health, demanding extra time to balance racing’s grind with motherhood. “It took a lot to control it just to race,” she’s admitted, a stark reminder of her resilience.
At Gainesville, Pruett’s “Dodge Mom” bombshell wasn’t just a soundbite—it was a battle cry. Facing a flooded house, a sunken motorhome, and sleepless nights, she still calls motherhood “winning the absolute lottery.” With Dominic hitting four months and Dodge’s horsepower in her corner, Pruett’s plotting a return that could redefine her legacy. Fans craving her nitro comeback got their loudest hint yet: the track’s siren call hasn’t faded—it’s just waiting for the green light.
