Leah Pruett Opens Up About Falling for Tony Stewart Despite the Age Difference
Leah Pruett, the accomplished NHRA drag racer, has always been an open book when it comes to her career and personal life. However, in a recent interview, she took the opportunity to address something that has long been a topic of speculation: her relationship with racing legend Tony Stewart. The couple, who began dating in 2020, have faced public scrutiny not just because of their status in the racing world, but also due to the significant age gap between them—Stewart being 14 years older than Pruett. Despite the naysayers, the two have forged a strong bond both on and off the track.
Pruett, who is known for her fierce competitiveness and unapologetic approach to her career, shared that when she first met Stewart, the connection was undeniable. She described him as someone who “just gets it,” someone who shares her love for racing and understands the unique pressures that come with it.described him as someone who “just gets it,” someone who shares her love for racing and understands the unique pressures that come with it. For Pruett, falling for Stewart was not about his age or his fame but about the deep emotional and intellectual connection they shared.
“There was no game-playing or trying to impress each other,” Pruett explained. “It was just two people who respect each other’s journeys and careers, and it blossomed naturally from there.”
Tony Stewart, a former NASCAR champion and current team owner, had been a familiar face in the racing world long before he and Pruett became an item. The two initially crossed paths at various motorsports events, where Stewart’s status as a successful driver and owner, combined with Pruett’s rising prominence in NHRA drag racing, made them two recognizable figures in the motorsport community. However, what began as a professional acquaintance quickly turned into a close friendship, and over time, it developed into something much deeper.
Despite the couple’s successful careers, they have both had to contend with the public’s fascination with their relationship. The age gap between Stewart and Pruett has often been a topic of online discussion, with some questioning the authenticity of their bond. However, Pruett has repeatedly stated that age is just a number and does not define a relationship.
“Tony and I are partners in every sense of the word,” she said. “We support each other, challenge each other, and encourage each other to be better, both as racers and as people. That’s what matters, not how old we are.”
Pruett also reflected on how their relationship has influenced both of their racing careers. Stewart’s guidance and mentorship have been invaluable to her, she says, especially when it comes to navigating the pressures of professional racing and media attention. Likewise, Pruett’s insight into drag racing has led Stewart to develop a newfound appreciation for her sport, with Stewart attending her races and offering her words of encouragement in the midst of intense competition.
“Tony and I are both so dedicated to what we do, but we’re also supportive of each other’s passion,” Pruett added. “He understands the sacrifices I make as a driver, and I understand the same for him. We balance each other out in ways that work.”
While they are not without their share of critics, Pruett and Stewart have consistently shown that their relationship is based on mutual respect and love for one another. Their shared commitment to motorsports has strengthened their bond, and as they continue to race and support each other, it’s clear that they are an unstoppable duo—on and off the track.
For Pruett, the age difference never seemed like an obstacle, but rather an irrelevant factor in the grand scheme of their connection. She encourages others to look beyond surface-level judgments and to focus on what truly matters in relationships: shared values, mutual respect, and a willingness to grow together.
“At the end of the day, it’s about love, not numbers,” Pruett said. “We’ve built something really special, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
