Breaking: Tony Stewart’s Shocking 2026 NHRA Drag Racing Announcement Has NASCAR Fans in Turmoil
In a move that has left NASCAR loyalists reeling, Tony Stewart, the Hall of Fame driver and co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, announced on September 17, 2025, that his wife, Leah Pruett, will return to the driver’s seat for Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series’ Top Fuel category starting in 2026. The revelation, made during a press event at the NHRA Carolina Nationals, confirms Pruett’s comeback after stepping away for maternity leave following the birth of the couple’s daughter in late 2024. While the news celebrates a family milestone and bolsters TSR’s competitive edge, it has sparked unexpected backlash from NASCAR fans, who fear it signals Stewart’s deepening commitment to drag racing at the expense of his NASCAR roots.
Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion known for his aggressive style and business acumen, has long balanced his NASCAR legacy with ventures into sprint cars and NHRA through TSR Nitro. The announcement highlights Pruett piloting the TSR Dodge//SRT Direct Connection Top Fuel dragster, backed by a strengthened alliance with veteran team owner Richard Freeman. “Leah’s return is a game-changer for us,” Stewart said in a statement. “She’s a proven winner with 12 NHRA event victories, and we’re excited to have her back pushing the limits in 2026.” Pruett, who last competed full-time in 2024 before her hiatus, expressed enthusiasm: “This is about family and fuel—I’m ready to fire up that dragster and chase more wins.”
For NASCAR enthusiasts, however, the excitement is tempered by turmoil. Stewart-Haas Racing, once a powerhouse, announced its closure at the end of the 2025 season in June, leaving fans to question Stewart’s future involvement in stock car racing. Social media erupted with reactions, trending under #StewartToNHRA and #NASCARBetrayed. One fan tweeted, “Tony built SHR into a dynasty—now he’s all-in on drag racing? Feels like he’s abandoning us.” Others lamented the shift, viewing it as a symbolic end to Stewart’s NASCAR era, especially amid rumors of his potential full-time NHRA role or expanded TSR operations.
The announcement also underscores broader motorsport dynamics. With NHRA’s growing popularity and TSR’s rising profile—bolstered by drivers like Matt Hagan—Stewart’s pivot could attract crossover fans but alienate NASCAR purists who see drag racing as a departure from oval-track heritage. Analysts like Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass noted, “This is Tony being Tony—diversifying his empire. But for NASCAR fans, it’s a tough pill after SHR’s exit.”
As 2026 approaches, Stewart’s bold step forward in NHRA promises high-octane action, but it leaves a divided fanbase grappling with change. Will Pruett’s return bridge the gap, or deepen the rift between NASCAR’s past and drag racing’s future? The racing world watches closely.
