Story by Tom Baker/Team SWN - NHRA PR contributed - Photos by Team SWN

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The 2023 version of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, the largest for motorsports in the world, got underway with a big announcement this morning from the world of NHRA Drag Racing.  After 27 years of competition, Top Fuel racer Leah Pruett is stepping out of the seat to start a family with husband Tony Stewart.  

She didn't have to look to hard to find her replacement, as the legend they call "Smoke" will move up from a year in Top Alcohol racing to keep his wife's seat warm and fast until she's ready to return.  

“Drag racing has been an important part of my life for over three quarters of my life,” Pruett said this morning. “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 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.”

SWN also had the opportunity to interview Southern Drag Boat Association racer and marketing director Theresa Mallas about her career and how fast a top fuel drag boat actually goes.  We'll have more coverage throughout the week from the show so stay tuned to Steering Wheel Nation!