The Cup Series tracks have long been home to Tony Stewart’s NASCAR team’s dominance. But 2023 was a different story, one filled with struggles and disappointments. Stewart’s once-mighty Stewart-Haas Racing drivers are absent from the playoffs battle, casting a gloomy shadow over their season. However, amidst the dim prospects on the NASCAR front, a shining beacon of hope emerges from the Stewart household. Tony’s wife, Leah Pruett, is thriving in the Top Fuel championships.

This weekend, Pruett is set to mark her 204th career start in Top Fuel category, chasing her championship dreams in the cockpit of the Dodge Direct Connection Top Fuel Dragster. With every race, she inches closer to making history.

Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett’s quest for glory at the Illinois track

Leah Pruett, currently holding 4th place in the championship standings, finds herself on the cusp of greatness as she readies herself for a pivotal race weekend in Illinois. With a mere 76 points separating her from the top spot and an impressive 2208 points to her name, the stakes have never been higher.

Driving for Tony Stewart’s team, Tony Stewart Racing, Pruett’s track record at the World Wide Technology Raceway speaks volumes about her prowess. In 2018, 2019, and 2021, she accelerated her car to the semifinals. However, her crowning achievement came back in 2018 when she claimed a triumphant victory in the Factory Stock Showdown category. This weekend, Pruett has her sights set on replicating that win by dominating the St. Louis track.

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Behind the wheel of the Top Fuel Dragster, proudly displaying the Code 3 Associates branding in a blue and white paint scheme, Pruett marks her eighth appearance on the raceway. Yet, it’s not just another race for Pruett; she’s resolute in her pursuit of not only securing her maiden victory in the NHRA Midwest Nationals but also capturing her first-ever No. 1 qualifier position at this prestigious event.

Leah Pruett’s masterclass at the zMAX Dragway in Championship Countdown

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This latest opportunity to shine at the NHRA Midwest Nationals came on the heels of an exceptional run at the NHRA Carolina Nationals. Behind the wheel of the dragster, she delivered a standout performance in eliminations, as she blazed past contenders Justin Ashley and Antron Brown, clocking impressive runs of 3.708 and 3.829, despite challenging hot track conditions.

The semifinals presented another thrilling showdown as Pruett squared off against Doug Kalitta. Their contest was a nail-biter, with Kalitta recording a 3.745 elapsed time and narrowly besting Leah by 0.033s. Despite the close loss, Pruett’s semifinal finish propelled her to fourth place in the current NHRA Countdown Top Fuel points standings.

As per Drag Illustrated, reflecting on the weekend’s performance, Pruett expressed her satisfaction and stated, “This was a performance-enhanced weekend overall for the Rinnai/Dodge//SRT team with a stellar completion rate on Sunday. We went for low [elapsed time] on Saturday in qualifying after the rain and it didn’t stick. What did stick was the rate of adjustments Neal [Strausbaugh–crew chief] and Mike [Domagala–co-crew chief] made given last-minute lane swap situations.

“Appropriating our power to the racetrack in stages has been key. Eliminating Justin Ashley first round was pivotal. Everyone is always focused on points. There is nothing like being, staying, and moving up when it counts.”

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Although fighting for that elusive win, Pruett was confident in her and her team’s ability as she boldly claimed, “My guys have been stellar throughout, and I am excited to excel at St. Louis.” As we await for the next chapter in her quest for glory all eyes are set to see what she can achieve come Sunday.