Tony Stewart, a legendary figure in motorsport, has achieved remarkable milestones across NASCAR, IndyCar, and USAC. With three NASCAR Cup Series championships, a 1997 IndyCar title, and the distinction of being the first-ever USAC Triple Crown winner in a single season, his career is nothing short of iconic. Now, Stewart is on a quest to add NHRA drag racing to his list of championships, a feat no other driver has accomplished.
However, Stewart’s most personal victory happened off the track: welcoming his son, Dominic James Stewart, with his wife, NHRA Top Fuel racer Leah Pruett. The couple, married for three years, recently embarked on the exciting journey of parenthood.
Who Is Leah Pruett?
Born on May 26, 1988, in Redlands, California, Leah Pruett comes from a family with a deep connection to racing. Her father, Ron Pruett, was a drag racer who set 12 land-speed records at El Mirage Lake and the Bonneville Salt Flats in his custom Thunderbird, “Pretty Woman.” Leah, inspired by her family’s racing legacy, began competing at just six years old. She excelled in the Jr. Dragster program, earning 37 trophies and two Division 7 championships.
Leah’s career soared as she progressed through NHRA categories. She won the 2010 Nostalgia Funny Car championship in the Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series and claimed three national event wins in the NHRA Pro Mod series. In 2013, she transitioned to Top Fuel drag racing and joined Don Schumacher Racing in 2016, consistently finishing in the top ten standings. Leah also dominated the Factory Stock Showdown Series in 2019, clinching the championship in her debut season.
In 2022, Leah joined her husband’s Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) team, becoming their designated Top Fuel driver. She secured TSR’s first Top Fuel victory before stepping back in 2024 to focus on family and motherhood. With an impressive career that includes 18 NHRA victories—12 in Top Fuel and six across Pro Mod and Factory Stock—Leah is a formidable force in drag racing.
How Leah and Tony Stewart Met
Leah and Tony first met in 2019 during a sponsor event. A year later, drag racing legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme formally introduced them via FaceTime and encouraged them to connect. The pair bonded further during an off-road trip in California and later spent extended time together in Florida before the NHRA Gatornationals. When the COVID-19 pandemic paused racing, Tony quarantined with Leah at her home in Lake Havasu, Arizona, solidifying their relationship.
After a year of dating, the couple got engaged in March 2021 and married in Los Cabos later that year. Their journey together has been a balance of personal and professional milestones.
Parenthood and Leah’s Racing Hiatus
In November 2024, Tony and Leah welcomed their son, Dominic James Stewart, just before the NHRA Finals in Pomona, California. Tony demonstrated his commitment to both family and racing by rushing to Phoenix for Dominic’s birth and returning to Pomona in time for the semifinals.
Leah’s decision to step back from racing was a deliberate choice to prioritize her family. She revealed her plans to let Tony fill her spot in TSR’s Top Fuel car while she focuses on motherhood. Although she’s in no rush to return, Leah hasn’t ruled out a comeback, possibly as early as 2026.
Balancing Racing and Family
Leah’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She manages Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that requires ongoing care. Despite this, she remains optimistic about balancing her health, family, and racing aspirations. Fans and supporters are eager to see her back on the track whenever she feels ready.
In the meantime, Tony Stewart has embraced his new role as a father while continuing to excel in NHRA racing. His rookie season saw him finish ninth in the standings and earn the Top Fuel Rookie of the Year award. Together, Tony and Leah exemplify strength, adaptability, and unwavering support for each other, both on and off the track.
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