The rumors have been swirling for some time, but Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) confirmed today that Leah Pruett will make her return to Top Fuel racing in 2026. Pruett stepped away from the driver’s seat in 2024 to start a family with her husband, Tony Stewart, and she’s now ready to chase championships again with the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

During her career, Pruett notched 12 Top Fuel wins and earned a third place finish in the championship points in 2023. When the 2026 season starts, Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala will continue to lead the TSR Top Fuel team.

“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,” said Leah Pruett. “I tested in Richmond earlier this year, which as expected, validated my eagerness and passion for racing Top Fuel.”

Pruett hasn’t sat idle while she’s been out of the driver’s seat. She’s worked with the team to improve performance and help Stewart chase a Top Fuel title of his own.

“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. I appreciate what she’s done to help our family and help this entire race team. She’s been a very critical part of this team’s success and projects that we’re working on, so she hasn’t sat on her hands by any means, but first and foremost, I know she wants to drive that car more than anything.”