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via Imago

via Imago

The year 2024 has been a roller coaster of a ride for power couple Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett. Pruett decided to take a sabbatical from racing in NHRA to start a family, while Smoke had no option but to replace her as a rookie in the Top Fuel Division. It was odd to see the 3-time NASCAR champ embarking on his new racing adventure as a rookie at 52. However, all their hardships and sacrifices were rewarded when they welcomed their first baby boy, Dominic, on November 17, 2024. Entering parenthood for the first time is sort of similar to making a debut on a racetrack, and both Stewart and Pruett have experienced this feeling in the past two months.

Spending time together as a couple is now at a premium with the added responsibilities of baby Smoke. But the equation isn’t the same even when they’ve somehow managed to go on a date together.

Leah Pruett reveals the tricky task of going on a date with Stewart after Dominic’s birth

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Dominic arrived at a time when his father, Tony Stewart, was just concluding his season in the NHRA Top Fuel. After that, the family spent some time together on a short vacation and also celebrated their first Christmas with their newborn baby. But, all this while, the couple never had an opportunity to spend some time together.

When they tried to re-spark the lost romance, things got tricky, and Leah Pruett shared the experience with a meme through her Instagram account. She shared a meme already circulating online in which a user spoke about her experience going on a date and leaving Dominic at home. “The first time going on a date with your husband after emerging from the postpartum daze.” It’s not just Pruett and Smoke going out. Just a few weeks ago, baby Dom got his first taste of Christmas. He even got a very special gift, a red vehicle from the house of Johnson’s Horsepower Garage. Given his racing heritage, it was only time before he had a chance to embrace it.

Regardless, the 36-year-old has had to completely flip her everyday routine to take care of baby Smoke. And let’s just say he’s keeping her mom on her toes, which has led to sleepless nights. This newly added responsibility has also restricted her activity and presence on social media. Pruett did share some wholesome photos of her baby along with the entire family, explaining the reason behind her social media absence.

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Will Leah Pruett's sabbatical from racing impact her legacy, or is family the ultimate victory?

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“Life lately. Even though I haven’t posted much, Dom has for sure taken over my sleep schedule and camera roll. He’s now over a month old, and has got all of his responsibilities down. Eat, sleep, toot, and look cute ☺️,” Pruett shared this on Instagram.

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Now that the couple has accomplished their goals for the year, will we be able to see Pruett back on track in 2025?

Is Leah Pruett going to return to racing in 2025?

The TSR Nitro entry that Tony Stewart piloted for the 2024 season is Pruett’s ride. With a total of 12 Top Fuel wins to her name, she was among the seasoned competitors contending for the title. But that equation changed as the couple decided to have a baby. While her supporters would like to see her back in the dragster this season, it looks like Stewart is going to continue to lead the team.

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Explaining the decision behind not opting to race in 2025, Pruett said, “As much as I can’t wait to, at some point—whenever that is—get back in a dragster, it’s not 2025. I’m looking forward to that. I’m not letting that take any moment away from being with this baby.” So, she’s committed to look after Dominic for the rest of the year.

There is a possibility that both Stewart and Pruett might race together in 2026, but nothing can be said for certain until an official announcement. Smoke did experience the highs and the lows of his rookie run but managed to reach the playoffs. In his second attempt, he will look to break his duck and add an event win to his name.

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Will Leah Pruett's sabbatical from racing impact her legacy, or is family the ultimate victory?