Tony Stewart credits wife Leah Pruett for NHRA victory after he celebrated his 54th birthday with a stunning Top Fuel win at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals near Chicago, where he surged to the top of the season points standings. Stewart’s impressive performance, combined with the expertise and guidance of Pruett and his team, has made him the new points leader in only his second career Top Fuel triumph.
Stewart’s Fast Climb to the Top of NHRA
At the prestigious Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Tony Stewart, known as a NASCAR icon and respected IndyCar champion, continued his swift ascent in professional drag racing. The event opened with Stewart dominating qualifying on Friday despite challenging winds, demonstrating adaptability and skill. As conditions improved with cooler air on Saturday, Stewart’s team capitalized by clocking a personal best 3.67-second run, the fastest in his budding Top Fuel journey.
This achievement set the tone for an intense weekend. Facing high-caliber racers – Terry Totten, Shawn Reed, and Steve Torrence – Stewart demonstrated composure and determination, advancing through each round with precision. His most formidable challenge awaited him in the final: Justin Ashley, a driver celebrated for his lightning-fast reactions at the start line.
The Influence of Leah Pruett and Team Dynamics
Behind Stewart’s rise, the support and knowledge of his wife Leah Pruett have played a defining role. Pruett, who boasts 18 national event wins and deep experience as a drag racer, reduced her own driving commitments in 2024 to focus on family yet remains pivotal behind the scenes. Offering vital insights and race preparation tips, Pruett’s presence in the pits has become one of Stewart’s greatest assets.
Before the decisive run against Ashley, Stewart prepared by discussing race tactics with both Pruett and teammate Matt Hagan. Their combined strategic approach aimed to balance sharp reactions and procedural trust, key elements necessary to counter Ashley’s formidable skills. Stewart then held his ground at the start, firing off a .048 reaction time to Ashley’s .042, powering down the strip to deliver a 3.777-second pass at 329.10 mph and clinch the victory.
I’ve been proud of how this team keeps progressing, and this weekend was a big step forward. We topped Q1 on a tricky track Friday, and when the cool air rolled in Saturday, we laid down a 3.67 — a run that got all of us fired up. These are the conditions we’ll see later in the… pic.twitter.com/VM6iwTLIIB
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) May 19, 2025
Stewart’s appreciation for his team’s commitment was evident throughout the weekend, echoing the intensive preparation and collaborative atmosphere that define his NHRA squad. He acknowledged this powerful dynamic as a crucial element to their recent progress and success on the track.
Recognition for Progress and Community Spirit
With his latest win, Stewart stands at the top of the NHRA standings for the first time, just three points ahead of Shawn Langdon, another fierce competitor in the series. Reflecting on the journey so far, Stewart admitted he hadn’t previously considered himself a real contender but now credits the team’s consistent performance and his wife’s contributions for this breakthrough position.
He shared his gratitude for the entire NHRA racing community, finding appreciation not only for the high-speed competition but also for the respect and camaraderie among drivers and teams. Stewart expressed the unique nature of racing 300-mph cars while maintaining mutual respect, a trait he values highly and credits for making the series special.
The season is far from over, with Langdon and other top drivers like Steve Torrence and Justin Ashley closely contesting every event. Stewart’s status as points leader signals a shift in the championship race, while Leah Pruett’s continued support and the guidance of his teammates will remain key as he looks to maintain his momentum in the coming rounds.
