Tony Stewart remains fiercely committed to his racing career, even after stepping away from NASCAR and into new motorsports territory. Now racing in the NHRA at 54, Stewart continues to compete at the highest level, refusing to accept the notion that his role is secondary, whether as a husband or a driver.
Stewart’s Relentless Competitive Spirit Shines at Home and on Track
Despite his official retirement from NASCAR, Tony Stewart‘s competitive instincts have not faded. Known for his three Cup Series championships and decades-long career, Stewart carries that same intensity off the circuit, especially in his personal life alongside his wife Leah Pruett. In an interview with Aaron AJ England, Stewart opened up about maintaining his drive, both on the racetrack and at home.
Stewart asserted,
“First off, at the end of the year, no matter who wins or loses, we’ll still be married. You can put that in ink. I’m a race car driver,”
Stewart said. He dismissed the label “trophy wife,” stating,
“I drive race cars. I’m not a trophy wife. For the first two years we met, I kind of leaned in the doorway and didn’t do a very good job of being pretty enough to be a trophy wife. So I figured I’d better do what I do best and put a helmet on.”
— Tony Stewart, Race Car Driver.
Stewart went on to describe his shift in the motorsport world, starting with his arrival at NHRA as a team owner. Initially content watching Leah Pruett and Matt Hagan race for Tony Stewart Racing, he soon grew restless, needing to be behind the wheel once again.
“The reality is I drive race cars. I don’t stand around and watch people race. I did that for a little bit when I came over here with Matt and Leah, but eventually the hook gets in the corner of your lip, and somebody starts reeling you in. Next thing, you’re driving a race car. I’m just excited to be here, especially with the 75th anniversary season for NHRA,”
Stewart further added.
Family Racing Legacy and the Stewart-Pruett Partnership
Stewart’s relationship with NHRA star Leah Pruett began in 2020, leading to their engagement in March 2021 and marriage eight months later. Throughout their partnership, the racing theme has remained central—Pruett continued to race in NHRA Top Fuel while Stewart was involved with Stewart-Haas Racing in NASCAR. After exiting NASCAR at the end of 2024 and establishing Tony Stewart Racing, the couple’s professional and personal lives became further intertwined.
When Leah Pruett became pregnant with their son, Dominic Stewart, she stepped away from the Top Fuel car, and Stewart stepped in for her at Tony Stewart Racing. Once she was ready to return, Stewart handed over the seat, but not without some inner reluctance to leave the driver’s role behind.
New Challenges with Elite Motorsports After a Team Transition
With Leah Pruett back in the driving seat at Tony Stewart Racing for the 2026 season, Stewart faced the reality of his role within the team. Since the operation was not equipped to field a second Top Fuel car, he sought new competitive avenues, ultimately joining Elite Motorsports. Stewart addressed this shift, saying,
“I said from the very beginning that I was just keeping Leah’s seat warm and that it was hers as soon as she was ready to come back,”
—Tony Stewart, Race Car Driver. He explained further,
“Well, she’s coming back in 2026, and as much as I wanted to continue driving, TSR is not in a position to add a second Top Fuel car. But with Richard buying Josh Hart’s team and our recent alliance, I can still work as an owner and a driver to help both our organizations grow.”
— Tony Stewart, Race Car Driver.
Stewart has quickly built a new legacy in NHRA, earning the 2024 Rookie of the Year title, winning two races with one in 2025, and claiming the 2025 regular season championship. As he enters his third NHRA season in 2026 at Elite Motorsports, there is widespread interest in how his ongoing rivalry and partnership with Leah Pruett will unfold on the track.
What Stewart’s Continuing Drive Means for the Racing World
Tony Stewart’s persistence in racing, along with his outspokenness regarding his career and personal identity, continues to leave a mark on motorsports. The ongoing dynamic, with both Stewart and Pruett competing at the sport’s top level, brings further attention to family legacies within racing. Their collaborative yet competitive relationship, centered around their pursuit of victory and commitment to each other, exemplifies how personal and professional lines often blur in high-stakes racing.
As Stewart embarks on the 2026 NHRA season with Elite Motorsports, observers will watch closely to see if he can match or surpass his wife’s performance on the dragstrip. His ability to transition from team owner to driver, and now competitor with a rival team, showcases his adaptability and continued relevance in the evolving motorsport landscape. Tony Stewart racing career remains a testament to tenacity, proving he is far more than a supporting figure—he’s still racing to win.
— Aaron 'AJ' England (@TracksideAJ) March 6, 2026
