Tony Stewart is preparing to race against his wife and NHRA competitor, Leah Pruett, at the upcoming Gatornationals in Gainesville. This event marks Pruett’s return to the sport after a two-year break, during which she focused on starting a family with Stewart while he occupied her previous NHRA seat.
Since Pruett’s comeback, Stewart has shifted to driving for Elite Motorsports. Entering the 2026 season, Stewart has secured two NHRA Top Fuel victories and a regular-season championship, whereas Pruett boasts an impressive record of 12 event wins. Their rivalry on the track has drawn attention, especially after a pointed comment from fellow NHRA driver Matt Hagan.
Matt Hagan’s Provocative Remark Sparks Response from Stewart
At a pre-race press conference, Matt Hagan made a bold comment about the married competitors, saying,
“I’m excited to see what these two do this year … whether they stay married or not.”
Stewart responded firmly, dispelling any doubts about their relationship, stating,
“No matter what happens, win or lose, we will still be married. You can put that in ink.”
Family Life and Off-Track Pursuits of Leah Pruett
Beyond racing, Stewart and Pruett are devoted parents to their one-year-old son, Dominic James Stewart. Recently, Pruett has begun sharing insights into her life away from the racing world through a promotional series titled “Letter to Leah.” The series highlights her experiences raising her son and balancing motherhood with professional racing, with its first episode released on TSR Nitro’s YouTube channel.
Stewart Emphasizes His Competitive Approach Facing His Wife
Tony Stewart, now 54, has made it clear that competing against his wife on the racetrack will not soften his drive to win. Speaking openly, he conveyed his intense approach to racing, explaining,
“I don’t care who is in the other lane. I want to put my foot on her throat until her face turns blue. That’s our job, and that’s what she wants to do,”
He added that the media tends to overdramatize their situation, saying,
“Everyone wants to write this big, flowery, bullsh*t story. I’m going to go race. I don’t care if it’s her or anyone else, and it’s no disrespect to her. I love her to death. We’re going to race each other at some point, and it’s going to be great for you guys, but it doesn’t do anything for me personally.”
On what a race result means, Stewart noted that a win will move him further in the competition, while a loss still benefits his team, Tony Stewart Racing Nitro.
Stewart’s Recent NASCAR Return and Current Racing Status
Earlier this year, Stewart made a notable return to NASCAR at the Daytona event, driving a RAM-powered Kaulig Racing truck. Unfortunately, his race ended prematurely after he was caught in a Stage 2 crash causing significant damage. Despite setbacks in NASCAR, Stewart remains focused on his NHRA campaign and upcoming competitions.
Significance of the NHRA Rivalry and What Lies Ahead
The ongoing rivalry between Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett adds a compelling layer to the NHRA season, blending personal dynamics with high-stakes racing. Their performances at the Gatornationals and beyond carry significance not only for their careers but also for the sport’s storytelling appeal. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how their relationship and competition evolve throughout the season, reflecting broader themes of sportsmanship and family in professional racing.
“I’m excited to see what these two do this year … whether they stay married or not.” – Matt Hagan
“No matter what happens, win or lose, we will still be married. You can put that in ink.” – Tony Stewart pic.twitter.com/L2DO4doPiy
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) March 6, 2026
