Leah Pruett will return to full-time Top Fuel competition in 2026 with Tony Stewart Racing, reclaiming the seat of the TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection dragster in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
Pruett has been away from the cockpit since 2024, stepping aside to start a family with husband and TSR team owner Tony Stewart. Their son, Dominic, was born in November of that year, and Stewart has filled her role on track the past two seasons.
In her absence, Pruett remained involved with TSR. She assisted with marketing, worked alongside crew chiefs on technical projects, and stayed engaged with the team’s day-to-day operations. The Richmond test earlier this year gave her the clarity she needed.
“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.”
Pruett said the timing of the announcement was deliberate, with TSR prioritizing Stewart’s ongoing Countdown push in 2025. She also expressed gratitude for Stewart’s efforts during her time away.
“This announcement has been delayed for some time, as the priority has been getting through Indy, and focusing on the Countdown with Tony, Neal [Strausbaugh], and team,” Pruett said. “Tony has done an incredible job behind the wheel, as many would expect, but I know how much he’s devoted himself to being the best ‘driver replacement’ he can be, and I couldn’t be more proud and thankful for him.”
Pruett is a 12-time Top Fuel national event winner. She began her NHRA journey in the Junior Drag Racing League at age 8 and finished the 2023 season ranked third in Top Fuel points — the highest of her career to date.
The return was welcomed by longtime partner Dodge.
“Leah taking the wheel of the Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel dragster in 2026 feels like she is coming home,” said Dodge CEO Matt McAlear. “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. But Tony has always said it was Leah’s race car, and we totally support the Stewarts’ decision and look forward to a successful future ahead.”
During Pruett’s absence, Stewart made strides of his own as a driver. He earned the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year title, won twice in 2025, and clinched the NHRA Regular Season Championship at the U.S. Nationals. He begins the Countdown to the Championship this month as the Top Fuel points leader.
“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.”
Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala will return as crew chiefs for Pruett in 2026. The pair led TSR to three victories in their first two seasons together, including Pruett’s Denver win in 2022 and her two victories in 2023.
“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.”
Pruett will once again join the two-car TSR operation with existing Funny Car driver, Matt Hagan. Hagan is a four-time Funny Car Champion and earned TSR’s first championship in 2023. It was announced earlier this season that Hagan signed a multi-year contract extension with TSR.
