Leah Pruett Set To Return To NHRA Top Fuel In 2026

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is about to get a familiar face back in the cockpit. Leah Pruett, a 12-time Top Fuel event winner, will return to full-time competition in 2026 with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), piloting the Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster. After stepping aside in 2024 to start a family with husband Tony Stewart, Pruett is eager to strap back into the car she calls her home.

A Family Decision – 

Pruett and Stewart welcomed their son, Dominic, in November 2024. Since then, she has remained heavily involved with TSR off the track, contributing to marketing initiatives and assisting the team’s crew chiefs. Even while away from competition, she never lost sight of her racing passion.

“I’d first like to thank Tony, the team, and our partners for allowing me the necessary time on my hiatus to start our family, learn motherhood, and welcome me back,” Pruett said. “I tested in Richmond earlier this year, which, as expected, validated my eagerness and passion for racing Top Fuel.”

Her last full season in 2023 was one of her best, finishing third in the Top Fuel standings — the highest championship finish of her career.

Tony Stewart’s Transition Behind The Wheel –

While Pruett stepped away, Tony Stewart took on the role of her replacement driver. For Stewart, a motorsports legend with championships in IndyCar, NASCAR, and USAC, the leap into NHRA Top Fuel was a bold new challenge.

He adapted quickly. In his rookie 2024 season, Stewart earned the NHRA Rookie of the Year title and scored a ninth-place points finish. In 2025, he’s been even stronger, racking up two wins and clinching the NHRA Regular Season Championship heading into the Countdown to the Championship.

“I’m excited to see Leah get back in a race car,” Stewart said. “She’s done such an amazing job of becoming a mother and going through a whole year of pregnancy and our first year with Dominic. I know deep down inside that she wants to drive that race car really bad, so I’m just excited to see her get that opportunity again.”

Dodge Backs Pruett’s Comeback – 

Pruett’s return is also big news for Dodge and Mopar, who have long partnered with her in Top Fuel competition. Dodge CEO Matt McAlear praised her comeback and reinforced Dodge’s commitment to both Pruett and TSR.

“Leah taking the wheel of the Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster in 2026 feels like she is coming home,” McAlear said. “Leah has been part of the Dodge and Mopar family since the 2016 season and has carried the Dodge banner to victory lane on many occasions. We appreciate the incredible job that Tony Stewart is doing filling in for Leah as the couple starts their family with son Dominic. But Tony has always said it was Leah’s race car, and we totally support the Stewarts’ decision.”

Strong Crew Chief Duo – 

When she returns, Pruett will once again be guided by crew chiefs Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala. Together, they helped her secure TSR’s first-ever Top Fuel win at Denver in 2022. In 2023, she added two more victories and four runner-up finishes, proving she was consistently one of the toughest competitors in the class.

“Working with Neal and Mike in a different capacity the past two years has kept me deeply involved, and I’m very pumped to be their driver once more,” Pruett said. “To my fans and supporters, I look forward to returning to heavy competition as when I left, just now with a little guy in tow everywhere I go.”

TSR’s Two-Car Attack –

Pruett will rejoin TSR’s two-car lineup in 2026, competing alongside Funny Car veteran Matt Hagan. Hagan, a four-time Funny Car champion, delivered TSR’s first championship in 2023 and signed a multi-year extension earlier this year. Together, Pruett and Hagan give TSR one of the most formidable one-two punches in professional drag racing.

Looking Ahead –

The timing of Pruett’s return feels right for both her and TSR. Stewart has proven himself in Top Fuel, but he has always emphasized that his run in the seat was temporary. The team now gets back one of the most experienced and proven drivers in the class, with momentum on their side.

“I know how much Tony has devoted himself to being the best ‘driver replacement’ he can be, and I couldn’t be more proud and thankful for him,” Pruett said.

Fans will get their first look at her return in early 2026, as the NHRA season kicks off with its traditional opener in Pomona, California. For Pruett, it won’t just be about wins and championships. It will also be about showing that a mom, racer, and fierce competitor can balance it all — at over 330 mph.