Tony Stewart faced one of the most frightening moments of his racing career at Maple Grove Raceway when a high-speed crash left his Top Fuel dragster totaled. The incident occurred during a duel with Doug Kalitta, whose Mac Tools Dragster crossed into Stewart’s lane after hitting a tire failure. Despite the brutal contact, both drivers walked away. Stewart’s wife, Leah Pruett, provided an emotional update on his condition, sharing gratitude for safety crews and revealing the team’s efforts to rebound for the next NHRA showdown in Charlotte.
Key Highlights
Tony Stewart and Doug Kalitta collided in a Top Fuel event at Maple Grove Raceway.
Stewart suffered a concussion and temporary memory loss but walked away from the crash.
Leah Pruett confirmed the racecar was totaled but both drivers remained safe.
Stewart thanked fans, NHRA Safety Safari, and medical staff for ensuring proper care.
The crash impacted championship standings, with Stewart now trailing Doug Kalitta by 18 points.
The Crash at Maple Grove
During Sunday’s NHRA Top Fuel event, Doug Kalitta’s dragster reached 335 mph in just 3.787 seconds to pass Stewart. Immediately afterward, Kalitta’s car crossed into Stewart’s lane due to a broken left front tire, causing a violent collision. Both drivers were shaken but ultimately able to exit the vehicles under their own power.
“I don’t have a damn clue, honestly. I honestly don’t remember any of it.” – Tony Stewart
The crash underscored the perilous nature of Top Fuel racing, where split-second mechanical failures can escalate into life-threatening situations.
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Leah Pruett’s Emotional Update
Leah Pruett took to Instagram to provide reassurance to fans and the racing community. She praised the safety teams and shared how the team is recovering and preparing for upcoming events.
“Just want to say thanks to so many for reaching out to make sure Tony and team were alright after yesterday’s on track incident.” – Leah Pruett
She also revealed the full extent of the damage:
“The car we’ve raced with all year is totaled, but both drivers walked away. Very grateful the Lord kept everyone safe. Our Dodge Direct Connection team got our back-up car out, and I was able to make a couple laps in it today to get ready for Tony and the team to continue to run hard in this countdown. See yall in Charlotte in a couple days.” – Leah Pruett
Her involvement in testing the backup car illustrates the family’s commitment to ensuring Stewart and the team stay competitive in the championship chase.
Stewart’s Perspective
Stewart also addressed the incident publicly, expressing gratitude for safety officials and medical staff who ensured proper care. Despite soreness from the crash, he confirmed he is ready to return to the track.
“I just wanted to thank all of our fans, teammates, and most of all our racing family for checking on us yesterday. Wasn’t the day we had planned, but thankful to the @NHRA Safety Safari and Dr. Surface for making sure we did all the right things in that situation.” – Tony Stewart
“I’m sore today, but that’s to be expected. Can’t wait to get back to the track Friday and continue this amazing battle for a World Championship.” – Tony Stewart
His statements highlight both the resilience of a three-time NASCAR Cup champion and the importance of safety protocols in motorsports.
Championship Implications
The crash had immediate consequences on the NHRA Top Fuel standings. Stewart, the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year, now trails Doug Kalitta by 18 points heading into the final five races. The incident intensified a season-long rivalry, turning the upcoming Charlotte race into a critical showdown between experience and emerging talent.
For Stewart, the chase is still wide open, but Kalitta, an NHRA Top Fuel champion with 57 career wins, is not going to give an inch so easily.
Leah Pruett will remain a constant presence in Stewart’s corner as the team pushes toward the championship, reflecting both support and determination to rebound from Maple Grove’s harrowing crash.
News in Brief: Leah Stewart’s Heartbreaking Update After Tony’s Shocking Crash
Tony Stewart survived a terrifying NHRA Top Fuel crash at Maple Grove Raceway after Doug Kalitta’s car crossed into his lane due to a tire failure. Stewart suffered a concussion and temporary memory loss but walked away safely. Leah Pruett confirmed the primary car was totaled and the team is now using a backup vehicle in preparation for the Charlotte race from September 18–21. Stewart thanked fans and NHRA safety crews. He is sore but ready to continue pursuing the championship.
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