People know ‘Smoke’ for his versatility in motorsports and for pushing limits to attain results. Following his pursuits, he has a unique history of winning an IndyCar and NASCAR Cup Series championship – isn’t this cool? And now, a new father who is fearlessly diving into NHRA racing, after his years of experience, his dirt racing and driving an open-wheel car. But to your surprise, upon the birth of his son, he expressed a unique sentiment that’s significantly different from any other NASCAR daddy’s celebration. 

Tony Stewart and his wife Leah Pruett welcomed the arrival of his son, Dominic James Stewart. But he honestly confessed his initial reaction that wasn’t exactly what you’d expect.

The timing was right for Tony Stewart to become a father

In June 2024, Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett announced they were expecting a child. That same year, Tony Stewart also got himself into the Top Fuel division of drag racing, where he had to fly to Pomona, California, for the finals. But it was also a special day for the Stewart family, as Smoke flew back and forth to be there for the birth of this son. While he wanted to extend his stay at the hospital, Pruett wanted him to complete his season and return to Pomona.

Being a Top Fuel rookie at 52, he now had another big responsibility on his shoulders as a first-time father. And he had his doubts about embarking on this new chapter in his personal life. “I’m not thrilled to be a father at this age, but I am excited about it because in our own way, the time was just right. I’m still intense at the racetrack and I still want to win but I just feel like I’m at a place where I’m ready for a family.” Stewart shared this in an interview with AthlonSports.

Although this late happiness for the former owner of the Stewart Haas Racing came with criticism of being a dad at such a late age, he simply explained himself, “I honestly believe at this part of my life, this is the right time for me to be a father. I think 15, 20 years ago being engrossed in motorsports as deep and heavily as I was, I’m not sure that would’ve been the right time for me to be a good father. I feel like having some big-ticket items recently taken off my plate is going to give me a lot more time to be a father.” 

This isn’t the first time Tony Stewart has faced criticism; he experienced similar backlash when he left NASCAR, citing the financial demands of maintaining daily operations. However, few social media users looked at this opportunity to blame his wife for influencing his decision. Some even speculated that he would sell Eldora Speedway as he transitioned into NHRA and focused on family commitments. But, Stewart had a perfect response to these social media trolls.

“Leah loves going to Eldora and loved coming with me to NASCAR races. She’s just as sad about this period of my life ending as I am.” Stewart further said, “It really p—-s me off to see people blaming someone they don’t even know, saying she is the reason I am getting out of this or that. That’s the frustrating part about our society today, that people aren’t educated enough to form their opinions and have no facts to support them whatsoever but everyone has an equal voice on the internet these days.”

However, beyond all of this, a new chapter of life begins for Tony Stewart, as he will be experiencing two major commitments simultaneously.

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A new chapter of balance between parenthood and passion 

This new role as a parent in the racing world offers Tony Stewart a unique advantage: the absence of a need to compromise between his racing passion and being an ideal parent. Although the couple have a lot on their plate being first-time parents, these duties aren’t going to restrict their commitment towards racing. Rather in a true Stewart-Pruett fashion, baby Smoke is expected to be there at the racetracks.

“Leah doesn’t have to sit there and go, ‘Well, dad’s racing this weekend, he’ll be home in three days, he’ll see you Sunday night.’ So, that’s something I’m going to cherish, is knowing that we’re going to have our son at the racetrack with us, like a lot of the other drag racers do, and have that community there that will be his extended family.” Pruett said this in an interview with EPARTRADE.

A similar passion was evident from Leah Pruett, who expressed, “As much as I can’t wait to get back in a dragster at some point—whenever that is—it won’t be in 2025. I’m looking forward to that, but I’m not letting it take away from being with our baby.”

Well, it will be interesting to see how this new dynamic works out for the power couple. But hey, the Tony Stewart fans will get to see their hero in a full-time driver role, at least for one more season.