The NHRA Countdown to the Championship opened at Maple Grove Raceway this weekend. The Reading Nationals mark the first stop in drag racing’s six-race playoff series. Tony Stewart entered the Top Fuel postseason in contention, bringing his crossover pedigree to the table in drag racing’s highest-pressure environment. Defending champion Doug Kalitta, meanwhile, aimed to carry his regular-season momentum forward. With multiple title hopefuls locked in, the early rounds at Maple Grove displayed just how volatile the championship chase can become.

Top Fuel racing’s recent history has plenty of examples of the fragility of its high-stakes battles. Shawn Reed’s crash earlier this summer at Pacific Raceways sparked renewed scrutiny of NHRA safety. That crash was caused by a tire failure that left him injured. Stewart himself has been candid about adapting to the brutal acceleration and fine margins of the class. He admitted he had “been through sprint car crashes way worse than this” when speaking about past close calls. Yet those earlier brushes with danger foreshadowed what would unfold at Maple Grove. It would soon involve one of the scariest crashes of Stewart’s drag racing career, halting his title campaign.

The decisive moment came in Round 2 eliminations at Maple Grove. Stewart lined up against Kalitta, who stormed to a 3.787-second pass at 335.73 mph. This narrowly outpaced Stewart’s 3.809 at 326.71 mph. But just beyond the finish, disaster struck. Kalitta’s left front tire broke apart, veering his dragster left and into Stewart’s lane, and the terrible collision sent Stewart’s car airborne. The vehicle ramped over Kalitta’s machine before crashing down on its side and skidding violently until it landed upright. Luckily, both drivers walked away, but their chassis were destroyed in the wreck.

In the aftermath, Stewart admitted he had no recollection of the crash itself. “I don’t have a damn clue, honestly. I don’t remember any of it. The first thing I remember, they’re waking me up here,” he said, adding he was left with “one hell of a headache” and a banged-up hand. The candor of his remarks points to a likely loss of consciousness. This was a chilling reminder of the danger that shadows every Top Fuel run.

Though he went on to mention that “We’re good. We’re fine,” the incident highlights the precarious nature of his first full playoff campaign in NHRA. It raises new questions about tire reliability and safety oversight in a sport where speeds regularly exceed 330 mph.

With Stewart’s health momentarily shaken and Leah Pruett already slated to reclaim the dragster in 2026, the timing of the crash invites speculation. Could this mark the moment where Stewart considers stepping aside sooner?

Could Stewart step aside after the crash as Leah is set to join in 2026?

After stepping away from NHRA Top Fuel in 2024 to start a family, Leah Pruett is officially returning to full-time competition with Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) in 2026. She won 12 Top Fuel events prior to her hiatus and finished third in the 2023 Top Fuel standings. This was her highest championship finish to date. During her break, she remained involved with the team and tested the car earlier this year in Richmond. This was a sign of her readiness to race again. Her return coincides with Dodge / Mopar backing her comeback. Crew chiefs Neal Strausbaugh and Mike Domagala are to remain on board, and a two-car team structure alongside Funny Car veteran Matt Hagan.

Meanwhile, Tony Stewart, who has been driving Leah’s Top Fuel dragster since she stepped aside, has had a breakthrough 2025 season. Two wins (Four-Wide Nationals and Route 66 Nationals), plus clinching the 2025 NHRA Regular Season Championship. This led TSR into the Countdown to the Championship. But his recent terrifying crash at the Reading Nationals / Maple Grove in a Round 2 collision with Doug Kalitta left his car wrecked. This could raise questions about his physical readiness and future behind the wheel. His post-crash statement admitted memory loss around the incident, along with a headache and a banged hand.

Now, with Leah Pruett confirmed to take back the seat for 2026, the question arises: Is this crash Tony Stewart’s final act as the primary driver of the TSR Top Fuel dragster? Even before the crash, Stewart had said all along that driving Leah’s car was a temporary role. However, currently his status for 2026 remains not fully finalized. Though the decision to return the seat to Leah appears settled, Stewart has indicated he is exploring various opportunities. But no solid ride has been confirmed yet.

Considering Stewart’s performance this season, Leah’s pending return, and the severity of the crash, it’s plausible this could be the end of Stewart’s stint as driver in Leah’s dragster. But for now, Tony Stewart remains a contender in the 2025 Countdown. That is, once we know about his recovery. Meanwhile, Leah prepares to re-enter the high-stakes Top Fuel field in 2026. This would be a comeback many believe is not just about wins, but about reclaiming her place behind the wheel.