Leah Pruett Returns to Top Fuel Racing After Two-Year Break, Teams Up with Matt Hagan
After a two-year hiatus from the drag racing scene, Leah Pruett is making her much-anticipated return to the NHRA Top Fuel series with the Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) team at the NHRA Gatornationals, scheduled from March 5 to March 8 in Gainesville, Florida. Joining her this season is veteran racer and four-time champion Matt Hagan, both ready to showcase their skills in front of adrenaline-fueled fans.
Leah Pruett’s journey back to the driver’s seat is a compelling story of both professional ambition and personal evolution. Over the last couple of years, she took a hiatus to focus on her family life and welcomed the birth of her son, Dominic, with husband Tony Stewart. This chapter in her life has reshaped her perspective on racing, igniting a renewed competitive spirit as she reenters the arena.
Pruett is no stranger to the world of speed and adrenaline; she is a seasoned competitor, boasting 12 NHRA national event wins. Her hiatus, however, was marked by her dual role as a mother and team consultant, which allowed her to maintain a close connection with her team and the intricacies of the racing world while away from the wheel. "I kept busy with the TSR team during my break, and observing from the sidelines offered a different perspective," she explained. As she adjusted to her new role of motherhood, she remained linked to the sport through various team activities.
Now, reintroduced to the thrill of driving after testing her dragster, Pruett has voiced her excitement about the upcoming season. "When I hopped back into the dragster, it was like riding a bike. The passion for the sport immediately came rushing back, and I couldn't wait to hit 300 mph again. I'm thrilled to compete with my new race car this season."
Tony Stewart, recognized for his impressive racing credentials, also expressed his excitement about Leah's return. Stewart himself has not stepped away from the track; he will be driving a Top Fuel car for Elite Motorsports and is looking forward to the potential of head-to-head racing with his wife this season. "Having Leah back in the TSR Dodge dragster is incredible. I always felt that she wanted this moment back, and it’s thrilling to see her ready to take on the challenge again," said Stewart.
Alongside Leah is Matt Hagan, who is returning to the Funny Car category armed with the hope of capturing his fifth NHRA championship title. With 55 career wins to his name, Hagan showcases unwavering dedication to his sport and is optimistic about the synergy with his new crew chiefs, Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler. The duo displayed impressive results during the previous season, and together they are poised to tackle the 2026 season in style. "The anticipation for the Gatornationals is palpable. We’ve been working relentlessly through the winter, and I have confidence in our preparation," said Hagan.
Both Pruett's Top Fuel dragster and Hagan's Funny Car will feature a striking red, white, and blue design, embodying the spirit of competition as they head into the Gatornationals. The weekend promises to be a highlight for eager fans, as they witness the thrilling performances and tight races that the NHRA is famous for.
The NHRA Gatornationals will kick off on March 5 with qualifying rounds, while eliminations will take place on March 8. Fans are eagerly waiting to see Leah Pruett reclaim her spot in the competitive ranks and how her dynamic interplay with Hagan will unfold as they push their limits on the drag strip. Follow their journeys through the action-packed season ahead!
For more updates and insights on all things NHRA, fans can visit NHRA.com or follow DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram as they share ongoing excitement from the races. Leah and Matt, with their passion and determination, are set to make waves in this upcoming racing season, and there’s no telling how high they will soar together in the world of motorsports.
Leah Pruett’s journey back to the driver’s seat is a compelling story of both professional ambition and personal evolution. Over the last couple of years, she took a hiatus to focus on her family life and welcomed the birth of her son, Dominic, with husband Tony Stewart. This chapter in her life has reshaped her perspective on racing, igniting a renewed competitive spirit as she reenters the arena.
Pruett is no stranger to the world of speed and adrenaline; she is a seasoned competitor, boasting 12 NHRA national event wins. Her hiatus, however, was marked by her dual role as a mother and team consultant, which allowed her to maintain a close connection with her team and the intricacies of the racing world while away from the wheel. "I kept busy with the TSR team during my break, and observing from the sidelines offered a different perspective," she explained. As she adjusted to her new role of motherhood, she remained linked to the sport through various team activities.
Now, reintroduced to the thrill of driving after testing her dragster, Pruett has voiced her excitement about the upcoming season. "When I hopped back into the dragster, it was like riding a bike. The passion for the sport immediately came rushing back, and I couldn't wait to hit 300 mph again. I'm thrilled to compete with my new race car this season."
Tony Stewart, recognized for his impressive racing credentials, also expressed his excitement about Leah's return. Stewart himself has not stepped away from the track; he will be driving a Top Fuel car for Elite Motorsports and is looking forward to the potential of head-to-head racing with his wife this season. "Having Leah back in the TSR Dodge dragster is incredible. I always felt that she wanted this moment back, and it’s thrilling to see her ready to take on the challenge again," said Stewart.
Alongside Leah is Matt Hagan, who is returning to the Funny Car category armed with the hope of capturing his fifth NHRA championship title. With 55 career wins to his name, Hagan showcases unwavering dedication to his sport and is optimistic about the synergy with his new crew chiefs, Mike Knudsen and Phil Shuler. The duo displayed impressive results during the previous season, and together they are poised to tackle the 2026 season in style. "The anticipation for the Gatornationals is palpable. We’ve been working relentlessly through the winter, and I have confidence in our preparation," said Hagan.
Both Pruett's Top Fuel dragster and Hagan's Funny Car will feature a striking red, white, and blue design, embodying the spirit of competition as they head into the Gatornationals. The weekend promises to be a highlight for eager fans, as they witness the thrilling performances and tight races that the NHRA is famous for.
The NHRA Gatornationals will kick off on March 5 with qualifying rounds, while eliminations will take place on March 8. Fans are eagerly waiting to see Leah Pruett reclaim her spot in the competitive ranks and how her dynamic interplay with Hagan will unfold as they push their limits on the drag strip. Follow their journeys through the action-packed season ahead!
For more updates and insights on all things NHRA, fans can visit NHRA.com or follow DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram as they share ongoing excitement from the races. Leah and Matt, with their passion and determination, are set to make waves in this upcoming racing season, and there’s no telling how high they will soar together in the world of motorsports.
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