Tony Stewart Earns Emotional First NHRA Top Fuel Win as a Father and Husband
Racing legend Tony Stewart added another chapter to his storied motorsports career with a heartfelt and historic milestone this past weekend: his first NHRA Top Fuel victory. But this win carried even deeper meaning — it was Stewart’s first as both a father and a husband.
Stewart clinched the win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the second year of his NHRA Top Fuel career, marking a major breakthrough on the drag strip. After a lifetime of achievements in NASCAR and other racing disciplines, the victory stood out not for the trophy, but for the family members who joined him in the winner’s circle.
“By the time you get down and you’re doing that second stage appearance where fans are coming around, and Leah comes up with Dom, now you’re thinking about ‘Oh my gosh, my family,’” Stewart shared emotionally. “This isn’t about me, and it’s not just about the team… it’s now my first experience outside of Leah and I having a family.”
His wife, NHRA Top Fuel driver Leah Pruett, and their five-month-old son, Dominic James, were right there to celebrate. Stewart said he was overcome with emotion when they arrived at the podium.
“She brings Dom up there and I’m losing it,” Stewart recalled. “Then going to do the photos with the team and the car, and Dad, and my wife and Dom are there… just the whole family atmosphere kept changing perspectives.”
Stewart began his Top Fuel journey in 2024, stepping in for Pruett as she took maternity leave. Their son, Dominic, was born on November 17, 2024 — the same day Stewart was racing in the NHRA Finals.
The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has embraced drag racing with characteristic intensity, but even he admits that this recent win carries unmatched sentimental value.
“This one hits different,” he said. “This is something I’ll never forget.”
With the win, Stewart not only solidifies his place among NHRA’s top contenders but also shows that for him, racing is now about much more than the checkered flag — it’s about family.
