Leah Pruett is back in the spotlight, and fans rushed in to cheer for her.
It’s been a little while since fans last saw her suited up and ready to race. After stepping away from racing earlier last year, Pruett finally got back into her Top Fuel dragster for a private test day with Tony Stewart Racing.
Leah Pruett Returns Behind the Wheel for First 2025 Test Session
The test session took place at Virginia Motorsports Park on Monday, June 23. Even though it wasn’t a race day, it sure felt like a win for everyone who’s been waiting to see her back in action.
Pruett is no rookie in the world of drag racing. She has racked up 12 NHRA Top Fuel wins over her career and has become one of the sport’s most famous names. Since taking a break to focus on the birth of her son, Pruett has remained close to the team and her husband, Tony Stewart. This marked her first time getting back into the driver’s seat in 2025.
This test wasn’t just for fun or for the cameras. It was a real step towards a possible return to racing. There’s no official word yet on when she might race full time again, but the signs are definitely pointing in the right direction.
At the start of the season, @LeahPruett_TF said she wanted to do some testing this year…. Looks like today is her lucky day. 😁#TSRnitro | #NHRA | #Dodge | @AmericanRebel99 | @AndyRossRebel | @mobil1racing | @NHRA pic.twitter.com/4iAmzRxKF4
— Tony Stewart Racing Nitro (@TSRnitro) June 23, 2025
TSR posted a short video of Pruett strapped in and ready to race. Fans were absolutely ecstatic as soon as they saw the clip on X. One fan wrote, “Time to get back in the saddle, and gitty-up go” while another joked, “Tony you’re not going to get her out of there.”
Another fan wrote, “It’s about time! We need to see you out there beating up on the guys and joining the other girls. Top fuel is much better with you in the field, and we all want to see you and Tony in the final. Best of luck Leah!” While another excitedly wrote, “She’s BACK!!!!”
This test happened the day after the conclusion of the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals weekend, which ran June 20-22. The test session gave Pruett a chance to get used to her dragster once again in a more relaxed environment.
Tony Stewart Continues Strong 2025 Season
While Pruett’s been on the sidelines, her husband Stewart has been doing a solid job filling in for her. This is just his second full-time season in the NHRA, but it’s already looking like his best year. He grabbed his first Top Fuel win at the Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas in April and followed it up with another win at the Route 66 Nationals in Chicago in May.
The success of Stewart has kept the team in strong form, and he currently leads the NHRA Top Fuel points standings. However, there’s no denying that fans have missed seeing Pruett on the track.
This week’s test session brought back a little excitement for them. While there’s no confirmed return date, seeing her take part in the test session felt like a legitimate step in her gradual return to competition.