“I’m just the fill-in guy.” These humble words from none other than three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart about taking his wife’s seat in the NHRA may seem modest, but there is a stark reality in his words.
At the end of 2023, Stewart and his wife, Leah Pruett – NHRA star – decided to start a new chapter in their racing careers. The couple announced that Stewart would be stepping in for Pruett in her Top Fuel dragster for a few races in the NHRA. This move came as a shock to many, as Stewart is known for his success in NASCAR, while Pruett is a force to be reckoned with in the NHRA.
Stewart’s decision to fill in for his wife not only shows his unwavering support for her, but also highlights the close bond that the couple shares. In an interview with NHRA’s Amanda Busick, Stewart said, “I’m proud of her and what she’s accomplished. I’m excited to be a part of it, and I’m excited to help her in any way I can.”
This isn’t the first time that Stewart has taken on a support role for Pruett. In 2018, when Pruett was recovering from an injury, Stewart stepped in as a crew chief for her team at the NHRA New England Nationals. This experience not only gave Stewart a taste of the high-speed, adrenaline-fueled world of NHRA, but it also allowed him to see firsthand the challenges faced by his wife and other drivers in the sport.
So, when Stewart was asked about his upcoming stint in the NHRA, he responded with a mixture of excitement and humility. “I’m just the fill-in guy. This is all about her,” he said. “I’m just her biggest fan and I’m going to do everything I can to make sure she has a good car to get in and go down the track.”
Stewart may be playing down his participation, but it is clear that he is taking his role seriously. He has already begun training for the physical demands of driving a Top Fuel dragster, a vehicle that can reach speeds of over 300 mph in less than 4 seconds.
However, despite his determination and preparation, Stewart knows that his wife will always be the star in their racing partnership. In an emotional moment during the interview, he said, “I’ll probably be crying when she gets in the car and takes off. It’s going to be a cool moment. I’m just proud of her and I’m excited to see her do it.”
Pruett, on the other hand, sees this as an opportunity for both of them to grow and learn from each other as drivers. She said, “I think it’s going to be really fun for us to be able to learn from each other in the same car.”
But this decision to have Stewart fill in for Pruett has also raised questions about the future of their racing careers. Will Stewart make a permanent move to the NHRA? Will Pruett return to NASCAR?
In response to these questions, Pruett said, “We don’t know where the journey is going to take us, but we’re definitely excited to be able to just broaden our horizons.” It is clear that this move is not just about racing, but also about personal growth and exploring new challenges together as a couple.
As Stewart and Pruett gear up for their upcoming races in the NHRA, they are confident that they have each other’s support and the support of their fans. “We’re going to have a lot of fun and hopefully we can be competitive when we get there. I think it’s going to be a cool experience,” Stewart said.
So, while Stewart may be just the “fill-in guy”, his presence in the NHRA is a testament to the love and support he has for his wife and their shared passion for racing. As they embark on this new journey together, one thing is for sure – they will continue to make headlines and inspire fans in whatever they do.
