“I didn’t win a race today, but I feel like I put today in the category of wins and championships.” Tony Stewart’s feelings on seeing Dominic James for the first time was a special moment indeed. It was a day that tested his ability to balance fatherhood and racing like never before. After qualifying seventh at the NHRA Finals, Stewart made a mad dash to the airport. He arrived just in time for his wife, Leah, to give birth in the early hours of November 17th.  But his whirlwind day didn’t end there. Just four hours later, Stewart was back on a plane, heading to Pomona.

He was supposed to drive for the NHRA semifinals. By 7 p.m. that same evening, he flew back to Arizona to reunite with his family. This moment perfectly symbolized his ability to juggle between responsibilities. Nearly four months into fatherhood, Stewart revealed the details of how he balances being a parent and racing.

Baby Dom’s smile makes Stewart forget all the frustration 

Just a few days ago, Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett posted pictures of Dominic’s first time visiting a race track at the 2025 PRO Superstar Shootout. The post read, “Introducing Dom to racetrack life.” Although the weekend hasn’t been ideal for Smoke, the Hall of Famer secured his spot for Saturday with an eight-place finish in Top Fuel.

Given the frustration that has been building on the track through the weekend, Stewart seemed to be quite happy that baby Dom accompanied him. Stewart said, “The great thing about having him on the track is that we would be frustrated throughout the day and you know you are scratching your head figuring out what you can do to help the guy but you get back to motor home and he is there. And he just looks up at you, smiles and the rest of it doesn’t matter. The clock stops and the cars doesnt matter at that point.”

Stewart also shared how it is the schedule of dirt racing that ensures he can take on his father’s duties more sensibly. Just before the weekend started, Stewart in an interview said, “We’re on track on Friday with two qualifying runs on Saturday, and then the eliminations and races are on Sunday. We’re there at the track for three days, but we only have 20 events a year versus 36 or 38 like we had in NASCAR. Our season starts in March in Gainesville, Florida, and we finish a week after the NASCAR season, so we get two or three weeks of free time in off offseason. But obviously, get about 12 or 14 more off weekends in a season.” 

Who would know these changes better than Leah Pruett herself. While Stewart stepped up to fill her shoes in the NHRA was a big deal, Smoke impressed her even more. She explained, “His sarcasm has not left the room, and his pranks really haven’t… But he’s way more present than I thought he would be,” she shared. “I didn’t have a lot of expectations of him being involved, but he’s just exceeded them. He wants to be with the baby all the time. Doesn’t like it when he cries—he gives it back.” 

It’s a big moment indeed for NASCAR fans to see Smoke grow from his aggressive, no-nonsense, punching competitor persona to a father.

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Stewart speaks of the one thing that doesn’t change across racing genres

Kudos to Tony Stewart’s racing career, he has experienced different styles of racing and cars. This includes a fair share of Indy cars, sprint cars, and his core strength – stock cars. However, there is one thing that Stewart thinks is similar irrespective of the type of racing he has embarked on.

Speaking on the same, the NASCAR Cup series champion said, “I think the one thing for me that has been consistent across the board is that when you go to suit up and get into the car, it requires the same mindset and focus. Whether it’s an Indy Car or a Sprint Car, it requires the same focus and preparation.”  He further added how it feels to take part in the drag races, given that this is a slightly newer experience. Stewart expressed, “It’s a different mindset, because every car is a different mindset, but I found the same intensity that I needed in go-karts at the age of eight, racing in the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR, or Sports Cars. I feel the same way every time I suit up.”

Now in his second season at NHRA, Stewart continues to adapt while maintaining the same laser-sharp focus that has defined his career. As he navigates the challenges of drag racing, his mindset remains his greatest asset, proving that experience across disciplines only sharpens his competitive edge.