Leah Pruett to exit full-time NHRA after 2026 for second child

Leah Pruett will leave full-time NHRA Top Fuel racing after the 2026 season to focus on having a second child with her husband, Tony Stewart. The 38-year-old returned this season after sitting out 2024 and 2025 to start a family, and currently ranks third in the championship standings as the six-race playoffs begin. Pruett, who gave birth to the couple’s son in November 2024, said she is not retiring and is leaving open the possibility of returning without setting a timetable. Eight-time Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher, who has a record 88 career victories, will replace her at Tony Stewart Racing in 2027. Pruett is expected to remain involved with the team’s logistics and technical operations, while Stewart continues racing for Elite Motorsports.