Top Fuel racer Leah Pruett announced at the Performance Racing Industry trade show that she would be taking the 2024 season off to focus on starting a family with her husband Tony Stewart, who will eventually take over the driving duties of her dragster. 

That break apparently doesn’t start until just before the NHRA Gatornationals in March.  

Pruett has confirmed she will participate in the inaugural SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout presented by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Feb. 8-10, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. 

“I am honored to be a part of such an elevated inaugural event for the racers put on by the racers,” Pruett said.

Money motivates many drag racers; in this case, the $250,000 winner’s share of the Top Fuel purse provides plenty of motivation.
 
“Really, the shot to line my guys’ wallets from a huge win is a strong driving force,” Pruett admitted. “If you are a drag race fan or fan of motorsports business in general, you will want to tune into this inaugural event that represents a movement.”
 
Teams will have four qualifying sessions to secure their spots in the eight-car fields for Top Fuel and Funny Car and the 16-car field for Pro Stock. Elimination pairings will be determined by random chip draws, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement.
 
Winning the first event would be quite the resume addition for Pruett, who has also won an NHRA Heritage Series championship.

“I would for sure add this win to the Instagram bio, right next to my NHRA national event wins and world championships,” Pruett said lightheartedly. 
 
“Winning would make the sting of missing the world championship by one round [in 2023] a little less salty. Also, the event will make for unforgettable memories and experiences as I move on to our next chapter. I want to leave on a high note, and this is my shot to do that.”