By Ashley Wilson

“ Drag racing has been an important part of my life for over three quarters of my life ,” Pruett said . “ Twenty-seven years of racing in the NHRA has molded who I am and I am extremely grateful for the life it has given me . Through a long series of thought processes and a decision that did not happen overnight , I feel that stepping out of the seat right now is what ’ s best for myself and Tony to start a family .”

Pruett is a 12-time NHRA Top Fuel event winner . Her NHRA journey began in the series ’ Jr . Drag Racing League as an eight-year-old . Pruett earned two victories in 2023 and finished the season third in the Top Fuel championship standings , which is the highest she ’ s finished in her 14-year Top Fuel career .

“ This has been one of the most difficult decisions to make because of what we have collectively created at TSR ; a highly-successful program and enjoyable operation ,” Pruett said . “ I had the best finish of my entire career . To step away from that can be a challenging move , but I had already made up my mind long before we were deep in the championship hunt . I ’ m excited about how competitive this team is , developed through the leadership of Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala , and to be able to have Tony compete in a very safe , vetted , and well-performing car with an established team makes my heart happy . Our final-round appearance at the Finals brought me the closest I ’ ve ever been to fulfilling a life-long dream of winning a Top Fuel world championship . We were so close that we could taste it , but it wasn ’ t our time .

“ Ultimately , it will be up to the Lord if we are blessed with what so many share as their greatest joy in life , a family of their own ,” Pruett continued . “ While Tony and I prefer to keep our personal lives private , we ’ re honored to share in this announcement with our partners , team members , and fans . There are no guarantees or promises on when I will be back in the seat , but I have every intention of returning as soon as I can . Everything in my heart says that I will return to driving Top Fuel as soon as I feel ready , especially after being so close to winning it all this year . For now , I am thrilled that Tony is getting a well-performing , safe car with an excellent caliber of people , both personally and professionally .”

With thoughtful consideration , Pruett and crew chief Neal Strausbaugh selected Stewart as the replacement driver . Stewart is humbled by the opportunity and looking forward to growing a family with Pruett .

“ I am very proud of my wife ,” Stewart said . “ To make a decision like this has got to be extremely hard . I don ’ t think from a male ’ s perspective that we can fully grasp it . To be a competitive , professional race car driver and have to make the decision to take yourself out of the seat to start a family is not a position most males would want to be put in . We had discussed starting a family and this was her decision . In those discussions , we came to the conclusion that the timing was up to her . I was very supportive as to whether she wanted to do it now or years from now . I ’ m very humbled that Leah and Neal felt I was the driver to fill in for her . I feel honored that I can do that for my wife and this team .”

Stewart , the adaptable racer , has earned championships across NASCAR , IndyCar and USAC ,

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID HILNER , CHRIS SEARS , AND MARK J . REBILAS

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