When Husband vs. Wife Becomes a Drag Racing Matchup

Leah Pruett is officially returning to the Top Fuel cockpit in 2026 – after a season off to start a family – and that means she and Tony Stewart may be lining up against each other on the strip.

During her hiatus, Leah stayed deeply involved behind the scenes, taking on a tuning optimization project and contributing to team operations. Meanwhile, Stewart filled her seat for the 2024 & 2025 campaigns and has now shifted his own focus toward NHRA competition.

What makes this different from usual rivals is the personal bond: on race day, both drivers plan to bring the same ruthless competitiveness they’d bring against any opponent. “We’re lining up like any competitor – she wants to rip my head off, I want to turn that win light on,” Stewart says. But once the race is over? It’s hugs, high fives and a reset for home life.

It’s a rare and fascinating mix: two drivers who love each other, but also love the win. The stakes may be personal – but the respect and story are universal to any racing fan.

Susan Wade | Dragzine.com

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