Leah Pruett is set for a return to NHRA Top Fuel racing in 2026 after taking time away following the birth of her son with NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart. During Pruett’s absence, Stewart, who took on the driver’s role for his team, is now preparing to step aside, leading to widespread anticipation about Tony Stewart NHRA future plans 2026.
As Pruett resumes her racing career, Stewart addressed the transition and his experiences stepping in over the past season. He said,
“I’m excited to see Leah get back in a race car,”
—Tony Stewart, NHRA Team Owner/Driver.
Stewart praised his wife’s dual role as both mother and team contributor, continuing,
“She’s done such an amazing job of becoming a mother and going through a whole year of pregnancy and our first year with Dominic (their son).”
—Tony Stewart, NHRA Team Owner/Driver.
Highlighting Pruett’s impact behind the scenes, Stewart added,
“I know deep down inside that she wants to drive that race car really bad, so I’m just excited to see her get that opportunity again. I appreciate what she’s done to help our family and help this entire race team.”
—Tony Stewart, NHRA Team Owner/Driver.
He further emphasized her ongoing involvement with the team by stating,
“She’s been a very critical part of this team’s success and projects that we’re working on, so she hasn’t sat on her hands by any means, but first and foremost, I know she wants to drive that car more than anything.”
—Tony Stewart, NHRA Team Owner/Driver.
Successful Season for Stewart and Team
Tony Stewart’s venture into NHRA Top Fuel racing has produced notable results, as he filled in full-time for the team. Stewart finished ninth in the Top Fuel standings and received the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year award. He notched wins at both the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas and the Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Illinois, strengthening the team’s competitive track record.
Stewart continued his strong performance by clinching the 2025 NHRA Regular Season Championship during the U.S. Nationals held in Indianapolis. Entering the Countdown at Maple Grove, he currently leads the Top Fuel points, signaling a remarkable but temporary legacy while Pruett was away.
Uncertainty Surrounds Stewart’s Next Steps
With Leah Pruett’s comeback confirmed and her sights set on 2026, speculation focuses on what Tony Stewart will do next. Stewart addressed his intentions when pressed by media, stating,
“I don’t have set plans, yet. We’re working on it.”
—Tony Stewart, as quoted by Kelly Crandall, NASCAR Reporter.
He acknowledged a sense of closure and the original purpose behind his driving stint, sharing,
“This was always the plan for Leah to come back and drive her race car. I knew from day one that it was temporary.”
—Tony Stewart, as quoted by Kelly Crandall.
While his future role remains undecided, those close to the situation—such as reporter Kelly Crandall—reinforce that,
“It is unknown, right now, what Tony Stewart will do in 2026 when Leah Pruett is back behind the wheel. Stewart has always acknowledged he’s a good spectacular for a while before wanting to be involved.”
—Kelly Crandall, NASCAR Reporter.
The only certainty from Stewart:
“I don’t have set plans, yet. We’re working on it.”
—Tony Stewart, as quoted by Kelly Crandall.
Pruett’s Racing Achievements and Team Lineup
Leah Pruett’s racing background dates back to her early start in drag racing at the age of eight. Over her career, she has collected twelve NHRA Top Fuel victories. In 2023, she achieved her career-best finish by ranking third in the Top Fuel standings after fourteen years of competition.
Pruett will rejoin the team alongside Funny Car driver Matt Hagan, a prominent figure with four championships to his name. Hagan secured Tony Stewart Racing’s first NHRA title in 2023 and recently agreed to a multiyear contract extension, solidifying the powerhouse nature of the TSR organization.
The Road Ahead for Stewart, Pruett, and TSR
As Leah Pruett prepares to resume her racing career and family life with Tony Stewart and their son Dominic, attention remains fixed on the future of Stewart’s involvement with the NHRA. The team’s impressive achievements during the interim, as well as the continued partnership with Matt Hagan, reinforce Tony Stewart Racing’s commitment to success as it enters a new chapter. While Stewart’s 2026 plans are yet to be disclosed, the motorsports world watches closely, anticipating how his storied presence will shape the trajectory of NHRA competition.
