Leah Pruett made headlines when she returned to the cockpit of the Tony Stewart Racing Top Fuel dragster for a test, stirring rumors about a potential comeback, just as Tony Stewart continues to impress in the ongoing Tony Stewart NHRA Top Fuel season. Pruett’s session, less than a day after the Virginia NHRA Nationals, has sparked fresh discussion about her racing future and added intrigue to a season already marked by Stewart’s surge in performance.
Leah Pruett’s Unexpected Practice Run Highlights Off-Track Dedication
On the heels of the Virginia NHRA Nationals, Leah Pruett suited up and piloted her recognizable No. 14 TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster for a test at Virginia Motorsports Park. This session came in advance of the upcoming Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals scheduled for June 29. Tony Stewart Racing released video footage of the moment, drawing attention from fans and observers throughout the NHRA community.
Pruett, an accomplished drag racer with 12 Top Fuel victories and a reputation for aggressive driving, had paused her full-time racing career in early 2024 to begin a family with husband Tony Stewart. She and crew chief Neal Strausbaugh made the collective decision for Stewart to take over driving duties as the couple expected the arrival of their first child, Dominic James Stewart, in November 2024. Although she has regularly attended events to support her team, Monday’s test marked her first on-track appearance in 2025, reigniting conversation about her possible return to racing.
While Tony Stewart Racing has not provided an official announcement regarding Pruett’s schedule beyond this test, the occasion offers hope to those eager to see her back in full-time NHRA action. Meanwhile, Stewart’s own efforts behind the wheel have captured growing attention, setting a new pace for the team.
Tony Stewart Finds His Stride in Second NHRA Top Fuel Season
Tony Stewart is in the midst of a breakout year after a challenging rookie season in Top Fuel. His second NHRA Top Fuel campaign has included standout finals at Pomona’s Winternationals and Epping’s New England Nationals. Stewart secured his first Top Fuel victory at the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas, then added a Chicago win to his resume. The former NASCAR champion also claimed victory in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge at Bristol and earned his inaugural top qualifier spot in the Top Fuel division at Bristol.
This streak has not only established Stewart as a formidable competitor in the drag racing world but has pushed the Tony Stewart Racing organization into the spotlight, especially with the close involvement of figures like Neal Strausbaugh and the strong legacy left by Leah Pruett.
Stewart Battles Adversity at Virginia, Maintains Points Lead
Arriving at the Virginia NHRA Nationals with momentum, Stewart faced a setback during qualifying when his No. 14 dragster suffered mechanical issues, preventing a single full pass in all three rounds and leaving him 14th on the qualifying list. This placed Stewart in a challenging first-round pairing against Brittany Force, who had defeated him in a finals showdown at Epping weeks before. The Stewart crew worked late into Saturday night to resolve the problem, leading to a dramatic turnaround on race day.
Stewart delivered a 3.872-second run—the quickest of the round—to eliminate Force and extend his perfect record of advancing past the first round to eight-for-eight this season. This win earned him a bye in the second round, moving him directly into the semifinals, where he faced Shawn Langdon. Despite a red-light start that ended his day earlier than hoped, Stewart left Virginia with his championship campaign well on track, maintaining his lead atop the standings with 700 points after eight races.
Langdon advanced to the final and defeated Justin Ashley, though that result is subject to review due to a possible infraction on Langdon’s Kalitta No. 4 machine. The competitive pace and ongoing reviews add intensity to an already dynamic season for all drivers involved.
Pruett’s Test Fuels Speculation as Stewart’s Consistency Defines the Season
Leah Pruett’s impromptu return to her Top Fuel machine shows continued dedication to Tony Stewart Racing and keeps her name at the forefront as the season unfolds. The test signals to fans and competitors alike that a full comeback could be on the horizon, further energizing chatter about the future of the team. Stewart’s stellar run through the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, highlighted by wins in Las Vegas, Chicago, and Bristol, demonstrates remarkable consistency and resilience just two years into his Top Fuel career.
The Tony Stewart NHRA Top Fuel season now balances anticipation over Pruett’s next steps with Stewart’s ongoing championship campaign. Their combined efforts, alongside support from crew chief Neal Strausbaugh and others, reinforce Tony Stewart Racing’s standing as a central force in NHRA competition and set the stage for an exciting second half of the year.
