Leah Pruett is stepping away from full-time competition at Tony Stewart Racing, saying she made the decision to step out of the seat so she can put more focus on her family.
The move comes with Pruett still sitting third in the NHRA Top Fuel Championship point standings, which underlines just how strong her 2026 season has been. She also won the 2026 NHRA New England Nationals, her first victory since becoming a mother, and said the year has been one of the most fulfilling of her career.
Why Pruett made the decision
Pruett said the choice is about being more present for Dom during an important stage of his life and about the possibility of growing the family. She described herself as fortunate to be in a position where she can make that choice and said she is excited about what this next chapter will look like.
That context matters because Pruett is not walking away after a down year. She said the racing has been challenging and rewarding, and she emphasized that she is proud of the progress the team has made together and of where the program is headed.
What it means for Tony Stewart Racing
The seat change sets up Tony Schumacher to begin driving for Tony Stewart Racing in the 2027 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Schumacher will step into the TSR Top Fuel Dragster after Pruett’s departure, giving the team one of the most accomplished drivers in the sport.
Pruett made clear she believes Schumacher is the right fit for what TSR has built. She pointed to his resume as one of the most decorated racers in the sport and said she has confidence he can help continue the momentum already building inside the team.
There is also a bigger picture here for Tony Stewart Racing in the NHRA. With the partners, the team and now the driver all in place, Pruett said the organization has assembled the pieces it needs to contend for championships for a long time. For a team that already has championship-level expectations, that makes the transition from one top driver to another especially notable.
For Pruett, the move is less about stepping away from success and more about choosing a different priority at the right time. For TSR, it is the start of a new chapter in Top Fuel with a proven veteran taking over in 2027.
