Leah Pruett Breaks Silence on Racing Return Amid Tony Stewart Racing’s Internal Challenges
Leah Pruett, the NHRA standout and wife of NASCAR legend Tony Stewart, has finally spoken out about her potential return to competitive racing, sparking excitement among fans after her hiatus in late 2024. The 36-year-old, who stepped away to focus on motherhood following the birth of her son Dominic James Stewart on November 17, 2024, has been balancing family life while staying deeply involved with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR). Her recent comments, made during a press conference at Gainesville Raceway in early 2025, hint at a comeback that could shake up the NHRA scene, even as internal dynamics at TSR, including her husband’s temporary role in her Top Fuel dragster, add layers of complexity to her journey.
Pruett’s racing career was at its peak before her break, with a career-best third-place finish in the 2024 NHRA standings, cementing her status as one of the sport’s top female competitors. However, her priorities shifted with the arrival of Dominic, born just hours before the NHRA finals, a cinematic moment that underscored her dual roles as a racer and mother. While she stepped back, Tony Stewart took over her Dodge-powered Top Fuel dragster, impressing in his rookie NHRA season with a ninth-place finish, two final-round appearances, and the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year award. TSR also secured a multi-year extension with Dodge and Stellantis, ensuring stability for Pruett’s potential return. Despite her absence from the driver’s seat, Pruett remained a key figure behind the scenes, working on crew strategies and setups, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Her recent statement, “I’m a Dodge mom,” delivered with a smile, resonated deeply with fans, symbolizing her balance of motherhood and racing passion while reaffirming her connection to Dodge. Pruett clarified her ongoing involvement, noting, “I’m so involved with the Top Fuel team on a couple of projects that have kept me very busy, so when I do jump back in, I’m even more equipped.” However, she admitted the challenge lies in “kicking Tony out of the seat,” a transition she’s not rushing. Stewart, ever supportive, has made it clear the car is hers whenever she’s ready, stating, “That race car is her race car. The moment she says she wants back in, I will gladly step out.” His admiration for her dedication—balancing motherhood, team responsibilities, and her health struggles with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—underscores their partnership.
Pruett’s health challenges, which affect hormone production and require careful management, played a significant role in her decision to step away. She explained, “My health was a contributing factor… I have Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition, which made racing tough even before starting a family.” Despite these hurdles, her passion for racing remains undimmed, and her continued involvement with TSR suggests a return is imminent, though no official timeline has been set. Fans on social media are buzzing, with many expressing hope that Pruett will reclaim her seat in 2025, while others admire her resilience in juggling her roles.
As Tony Stewart Racing navigates this transitional phase, Pruett’s potential comeback looms large. Her synergy with crew chief Matt Hagan and her deep-rooted connection with Dodge position her to return stronger than ever. Whether it’s this season or later, Leah Pruett’s story is far from over—she’s poised to reassert herself as a force in NHRA drag racing, proving that motherhood and motorsport can coexist at the highest level. The racing world waits eagerly for her next move, ready to witness the “Dodge mom” roar back to the track.
