Leah Pruett Confirms Racing Future After Welcoming Son With Husband Tony Stewart

NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart and his wife, NHRA driver Leah Pruett, welcomed their first child, Dominic, during the 2024 racing season. Pruett has decided to put her racing aspirations on hold for the entirety of the 2025 NHRA season, choosing instead to focus her energy on being a full-time mother.

Stewart, known for his three-time NASCAR championship legacy and the Stewart-Haas Racing team, transitioned to NHRA in recent years, taking an active role as a team owner and driver. Meanwhile, Pruett, who turned heads with her impressive NHRA career spanning nearly three decades, had been consistently proving her skill behind the wheel. She earned 12 career Top Fuel victories and achieved a career-best third-place finish in the NHRA standings.

During an interview with Behind The Catch Fence (below), Pruett explained:

"As much as I can't wait to, at some point—whenever that is—get back in a dragster, it's not 2025. I'm looking forward to that. I'm not letting that take any moment away from being with this baby.

Leah Pruett speaks as Tony Stewart looks on during the press conference held at the zMAX Dragway on October 14, 2021 in Concord, North Carolina. Leah Pruett confirms racing future after welcoming son with husband... Mike Comer/Getty Images

"Literally, you know, his face is changing every day, and he's growing every day. Our phones now have hundreds of photos on them and videos of just pure baby nothingness. I'm just making sure we capture it. I keep it right here, keep it in my heart, because he's going to be walking, talking, and talking back to Tony sooner than we can imagine...I'm having the best time of my life."

Stewart, on the other hand, will take over the Top Fuel seat at Tony Stewart Racing during Pruett's hiatus. Despite being a rookie in the 2024 season, he had an impressive performance.

While she may not be racing in 2025, Pruett has left the door open for a potential return to the NHRA circuit in the future. There is speculation about the possibility of the Stewart family competing together in subsequent seasons, like 2026, yet no plans have been set in stone just yet.

Tony Stewart Racing announced the birth of Dominic during the NHRA season finale at Pomona Dragstrip. The team confirmed at the time with a post to social media:

"Meet our new teammate, Dominic James Stewart. Momma @LeahPruett_TF and baby are doing great. Congratulations LP and @TonyStewart on becoming new parents! Only Tony could pull off qualifying, rushing to Phoenix to make it in time for the delivery, then back to @PomonaDragstrip for race day. Let's go win Dominic a [trophy]."