“Until you experience that, it’s impossible to tell someone how that feels,” said Tony Stewart after witnessing the birth of his child. After all, just three hours before his birth, Smoke had been doing interviews ahead of the NHRA finals in Pomona. He rushed to a small airfield nearby, hopping on to a flight to Phoenix just in time to see his little bundle of joy and Leah Pruett in a hospital in Phoenix. Little did he know, just a few hours later, Pruett would send him back to the track. Just four months later, as the veteran driver returns to the race track, he isn’t returning alone.

Baby Dom is making his first appearance at NHRA alongside his mother Leah. However, while Pomona’s thunderous Top Fuel roars had already set the stage, Mother Nature threw a wrench in the plans. Recent weather reports warn of rain and unpredictable conditions at Pomona, echoing past NHRA events where rain delayed or canceled races, like the 2024 Winternationals postponed due to persistent showers, per the NHRA.

Coming to his newborn’s first NHRA race, Baby Dom appeared with his wife, Leah Pruett. She recently posted a heart-melting photo of her and their son ahead of Stewart’s race to get the fans excited. This has turned this race into a family affair, amplifying fan excitement. They welcomed Dom in November 2024.

The post was captioned, “It’s Dom’s first official @NHRA race, and he was so stoked to watch his dad compete in the All-Star Top Fuel Callout, but mother nature’s sprinkler system has been in full force today, moving the Callout to #Pomona. #SoCal fans, you’re in for a treat.

While it was his first NHRA visit, Baby Dom is no stranger to the race track. Just a few months ago, the couple took young Dom to the track, sharing the moment with their fans in a post captioned, “Introducing Dom to the racetrack life.” The only difference is that Smoke wasn’t going to be in one of the cars. It won’t be a missed opportunity due to rain this time, as eliminations began early on Sunday morning.

Regardless, it might just be the start of a racing career as Tony Stewart revealed the couple’s parenting plans. “Leah and myself both agree that we just want to let him choose his own path. Do we feel like he’s going to end up in some form of motorsports? It’s really hard to believe — with a professional race car-driving father and mother — that’s not going to be a path he wants to go.”

This weekend’s race isn’t just about Top Fuel glory. It’s a celebration of Stewart’s new chapter, with his family cheering loudly, despite potential weather hiccups. Now, let’s check out what fans are saying about Tony Stewart’s newborn attending his NHRA race at Pomona.

Fans can’t get enough of Baby Dom’s cuteness

“Tony better do good this weekend—his CREW CHIEF is there!! Come on Dad, you got this!! ❤️❤️Tom” Fans cheer Stewart’s shot with Mike Neff, his seasoned crew chief, tuning the Top Fuel dragster. Neff’s NHRA experience, including titles with drivers like Robert Hight, backs this optimism. Stewart’s profile highlights his reliance on Neff’s expertise, making fans confident in a strong Pomona performance, especially with Dom’s inspiration. And Stewart did deliver, with a low elapsed time of the round with 3.722 seconds.

“Aww Dom is so adorable watching Dad! Looking Beautiful Leah with your little man 💙💙💙” Notably, Pruett’s journey into motherhood has been a massive journey, one she has done an incredible job about. More than that, she has given fans the entire picture on social media. On one occasion, she wrote on social media, “Positive: My knees feel so much better after dropping 35 lbs. Negative: None. My body did an amazing thing: growing Dom and giving birth. I lost my good b–ty, though, and my abs are weak, but I’m working on that.” More than that, it has been about a mental battle she fought. Just a few weeks ago, while on a date with Smoke, she wrote, “The first time going on a date with your husband after emerging from the postpartum daze.” 

“You’ve got a glow from the two best things, racing and babies” Fans see Stewart shining from fatherhood and racing, tying his Pomona run to Dom’s debut, rain or shine. His NHRA profile and X posts show his joy as a new dad, while MoparInsiders notes his drive to dominate Top Fuel, suggesting Dom’s presence fuels his competitive edge, making this race iconic, weather permitting.

“Keep his little ears covered from the thunder of the Top Fuel cars. He’s so cute. Are you ready to get back in a Top Fuel car? Maybe a two-car team?” Fans worry about Dom’s safety amid the noise, referencing Top Fuel’s 330+ mph speeds and deafening sound. With engines sized at 500 cubic inches and with 8.1l engines, the sounds from these cars go up to 165 decibels.