Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett’s decision to start a family has led to important changes in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) rulebook, prompting new discussions about the future of female racers in motorsports. Their personal journey with family planning, set against the challenges of top-level drag racing, directly influenced the introduction of a significant policy shift in how the NHRA addresses pregnancy among drivers.
A Pivotal Decision for Stewart and Pruett
Leah Pruett and Tony Stewart reached the point in their lives where starting a family presented notable difficulties. Pruett, who is still in her thirties, faced slightly better odds, while Tony Stewart, now 54, only began contemplating fatherhood seriously after his relationship with Pruett deepened. For Pruett, already a leading figure in drag racing, leaving her racecar meant not only stepping back from the competition but also risking her career momentum, as regaining her seat would not come easily. Despite these hurdles, the couple committed fully to their family ambitions, reshaping their priorities and roles both on and off the track.
Transitioning Roles on the Drag Strip
Following Pruett’s announcement last year that she would pause her racing activities to focus on having a child, Tony Stewart moved into the driver’s seat for the NHRA team. Expectations for Stewart’s performance were muted at first, as few anticipated he could reach the professional level Pruett had set. Stewart, however, made an immediate impact in Top Fuel, notching a landmark victory at the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas and later capturing the regular season championship in 2025. Their evolving family plans played out in public view, with Pruett revealing the difficulties of balancing motherhood dreams and racing ambitions during a discussion on Shannon Spake’s podcast. She admitted her longstanding affection for children, yet acknowledged that the intense demands of professional racing had rarely left space for family life.
Lack of Support for Female Drivers Facing Pregnancy
From the early days of their relationship, Stewart and Pruett were clear about their hopes for children. Yet, as they pursued parenthood, they encountered a gap in motorsports policy—no formal accommodations existed for female drivers who become pregnant during a season. Pruett described the emotional toll of stepping away from the car and making her situation public, particularly given the absence of guidelines or protocols similar to those that address injuries or illnesses.
“But one of the most difficult things was stepping outside of the race car, announcing it to the world… I plan to be in the hopes of, and we did have trouble on my own side to get pregnant. And having to do that because there was not any type of protocol in motorsports in place.”
– Leah Pruett, Driver
Pruett pointed out that while rules existed for replacements due to injury or situations like COVID-19, none addressed pregnancy.
Establishing a New NHRA Rule
In her determination to change the situation, Pruett advocated for a policy that would allow for an official replacement driver if a female racer became pregnant mid-season, treating pregnancy as equivalent to an injury in terms of driver substitution. This new rule ensures that a team’s competitive standing can be maintained, giving female drivers the opportunity to prioritize family without sacrificing their racing prospects or letting down their sponsors.
“I mean, we got pregnant and then in that time I was able to make a brand new rule with the policy change, basically, if a female driver gets pregnant during the season, that’s no different than injury protocol, a replacement driver can come in and carry on those same. So, because without that, you continuously always have to make that decision.”
– Leah Pruett, Driver
Before this rule, female racers faced a binary choice—pursue their dreams of family or remain behind the wheel.
Broader Impact on the Racing Industry
Pruett also highlighted persistent biases in motorsports, noting that although female drivers are often viewed as especially marketable, underlying skepticism remains within organizations. Teams may see female drivers as a future risk if they become pregnant, fearing disruptions that can impact both team performance and finances. This environment places tremendous pressure on women who must choose between advancing their careers and becoming parents, frequently losing both racing opportunities and the chance to showcase their abilities on track.
The NHRA’s new policy, spurred by Tony Stewart family plans NHRA discussions, represents a significant move toward greater equity in the sport. Other racing organizations may look to this rule as an example, and the industry will watch closely to see whether similar safeguards are adopted elsewhere, enabling more racers like Leah Pruett to pursue both family and professional success.
