The Tony Stewart family and Dodge racing legacy were in the spotlight as Stewart participated in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals and his wife, Leah Pruett, shared a memorable moment featuring their son, Dominic James, sporting Dodge apparel at the Ohio dragstrip. As engines roared and the NHRA event unfolded, the family highlighted their ongoing connection with both youthful optimism and brand heritage.
Stewart Family at the NHRA: Tradition Meets New Generation
Tony Stewart, who has claimed three NASCAR Cup Series championships, is now a prominent competitor in the NHRA’s Top Fuel division. With Dodge as a main sponsor for the TSR Nitro team, the family’s ties to Michigan-based Dodge reinforce speculation about the automaker’s ambitions to become NASCAR’s fourth official manufacturer in coming years.
At the dragstrip, fans caught a glimpse of the Stewart family’s next generation as Dominic James showed up in Dodge-themed gear. Leah Pruett, Stewart’s wife and former TSR Nitro Top Fuel driver, shared a photo of their infant son wearing a Dodge onesie and hearing protectors, blending the excitement of motorsports with family life.
“There’s Dodge muscle under these rolls?”
This playful message on Dominic’s outfit referenced the manufacturer’s celebrated muscle car tradition, offering fans a light-hearted nod to Dodge’s performance-driven identity. Dominic was born in November 2024, right during the high stakes of the NHRA season finale at Pomona Dragstrip in California. Stewart juggled his racing commitments and family, qualifying on Saturday and then flying to greet his newborn son before making it back to the track.
Leah Pruett, who originally led the TSR Nitro Top Fuel program, stepped back from driving to focus on their growing family. Stewart took over as driver for 2024, earning Rookie of the Year recognition. Despite his storied relationship with Dodge, Stewart has said he supports the auto manufacturer’s NASCAR ambitions but is not looking to return as a team owner, especially after Stewart-Haas Racing’s recent departure from competition.
Leah Pruett Returns to Racing After Maternity Leave
Recently, Leah Pruett returned to the driver’s seat, testing Stewart’s TSR Nitro Dodge dragster at Virginia Motorsports Park, her first run after a 499-day hiatus prompted by Dominic’s birth. Pruett spoke candidly about the mix of excitement and challenge in getting back behind the wheel after nearly a year and a half away.
“499 days. That’s how long it had been since I last wheeled a Top Fueler — until Monday. And trust me… I didn’t care that we were testing in some of the nastiest conditions ever (98.6º ambient, 146º on the track). After 499 days out of the seat… it felt incredibly good to knock the rust off.”
Pruett adjusted the seat for her return, feeling ready to reconnect with her competitive self and the sport she loves.
“We got in 3 good hits in, checked off key items from our parts test list, and left @racevmp (Virginia Motorsports Park) with self-assurance that ‘racer Leah’ can absolutely co-exist with ‘mamma Leah.’”
Following the test, Pruett appeared ready to move forward, though she has not committed to a timeline for returning to the NHRA Top Fuel circuit. Stewart affirmed his support, stating he would step aside whenever Leah wanted to compete again.
Legacy and Next Steps for the Stewart-Pruett Family
The story of Tony Stewart, Leah Pruett, and their son Dominic James continues to captivate fans, blending elite racing with family milestones. Their partnership with Dodge, both as competitors and brand ambassadors, keeps the spotlight on Dodge’s aspirations in NASCAR and NHRA. As Leah Pruett weighs her full-time return and Stewart remains open to supporting her ambitions, the Stewart family’s racing saga shows no signs of slowing down, promising future excitement for both the sport and Dodge enthusiasts alike.
