NHRA Top Fuel racing will undergo a significant change in 2027, as eight-time champion Tony Schumacher will take over Leah Pruett’s role in Tony Stewart Racing’s dragster program. This multiyear agreement represents a new chapter for Schumacher, whose career has included successful stints with Don Schumacher Racing and Rick Ware Racing.
Pruett, currently ranked third in the NHRA Top Fuel standings, has decided to step back from driving to prioritize family responsibilities. While she is not retiring entirely, she will remain actively engaged with the team, leaving open the possibility of returning to competition at a later date. “This is not retirement,” she said. “I plan to be every bit as involved with this team as I was the last time I stepped out of the seat.
And, just like before, the hope is that there’s another opportunity for me to get back in the car. I’m not making any promises or putting a timeline on it, but I feel really comfortable and confident knowing we’ve built a solid foundation and a formidable team that can continue chasing championships for years to come.”
The transition to Schumacher begins in February 2027 at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California. This move follows Pruett’s strong 2024 season, where she has been third in the standings for the past 11 races and never lower than fifth place all year. She won the rained-out Epping, N.H., final that took place at Bristol, Tenn., and has 13 overall victories. Pruett was at the height of her career in 2023, when she finished third (57 points away from a first championship) after losing to Doug Kalitta in a winner-take-all final round at the NHRA Finals that November.
Tony Stewart, the team owner and Pruett’s husband, fully supports her decision. “The decision, the timing, is up to her. And I completely support any decision she makes.” Stewart, who continues to compete in Elite Motorsports’ Top Fuel dragster, praised Pruett’s ability to balance motherhood with her racing career, calling her “an extraordinary person.”
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Schumacher’s Sponsors and Team Partnerships
The partnership between Schumacher and Tony Stewart Racing includes his established sponsors—American Communications Construction, Aloha Beauty Lounge, 5.11, and Hollinger—who will join the team’s existing lineup. Dodge and Mopar will continue their association with the Top Fuel dragster in both primary and associate capacities.
Schumacher expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying, “I couldn’t have seen this coming or planned something this good. To get to this moment where I get to represent ACC, Aloha Beauty, and all my partners alongside people who operate at a high level and truly love the sport, I couldn’t be more pleased to be joining TSR. I feel privileged that Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett, such a power couple who are in this purely for the love of the sport, trust me with the seat of the Top Fuel dragster.”
Pruett’s departure from driving does not mean the end of her influence. She remains committed to the team’s future, believing the foundation laid over the years positions Tony Stewart Racing for sustained championship contention. “When you look at the team, the partners, and now the driver, the puzzle pieces have really come together to create something that I believe will compete for championships for a long time.”
Schumacher’s move to Tony Stewart Racing marks a generational shift in NHRA Top Fuel racing. His experience and return to a championship-level seat could influence the competitive environment. Pruett’s legacy remains tied to the program, ensuring the team’s stability and ambition continue unbroken.
Generational Shift and Legacy Transition
Schumacher’s first race with Tony Stewart Racing will be the 2027 season opener, where he will drive a car that has already demonstrated its potential under Pruett’s leadership. The transition from Pruett to Schumacher represents both a handoff between generations and a fresh start for the team.
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For now, Pruett’s focus remains on family while maintaining her role within Tony Stewart Racing. “I feel incredibly fortunate that I’m in a position where I can make that choice, and I’m genuinely excited about what this next chapter looks like for us.”
The announcement comes after a season where Pruett has been a consistent performer, finishing in the top five in every race so far. Her decision to step aside follows a career marked by comebacks, near-championship finishes, and a deep connection to the sport’s history.
Schumacher’s arrival at Tony Stewart Racing completes a full-circle moment for the team. He will reunite with crew chief Neal Strausbaugh and car chief Ryan McGilvry, key figures from his championship-winning eras. Strausbaugh, who oversaw Schumacher’s victories with Don Schumacher Racing, brings decades of experience to Tony Stewart Racing, while McGilvry’s technical expertise remains central to the dragster’s development.
Pruett’s Future and Team Stability
Pruett’s continued involvement ensures the team’s stability. She has emphasized that her departure from driving is not permanent, leaving open the possibility of a future return to competition.
Schumacher’s first race at Pomona will serve as a benchmark for his adaptation to the Tony Stewart Racing dragster. The dragster’s proven capability, combined with Schumacher’s skill, suggests Tony Stewart Racing will remain a title contender in 2027. Pruett’s confidence in the team’s foundation reflects the careful planning behind Schumacher’s arrival, ensuring the transition does not disrupt the program’s progress.
