NASCAR legend Tony Stewart and his wife, drag racer Leah Pruett, recently surprised fans with a spontaneous adventure to San Francisco’s infamous Alcatraz Island—during a break from the NASCAR Cup Series season. As detailed in Sportsmanship, the couple took a leisurely tour of the notorious former prison, enjoying moments together as tourists rather than competitors .
Their outing came amid a rare pause in the racing calendar, aligned with the Paris Olympics, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind. Pruett captured the experience with an Instagram photo featuring the two exploring the Fort and prison ruins, captioned with playful nostalgia: “Alcatraz tourist things 🚶♀️ #alcatraz #bumpin” . Fans reacted positively, with many joking about Stewart’s laid-back outfit and appreciating the couple’s choice to enjoy “normal” activities away from the racetrack glamour .
This leisure trip holds special meaning: Tony Stewart is a four-time NASCAR Cup champion, while Leah Pruett, who began racing at a young age, joined Tony Stewart Racing in 2022. A decorated NHRA driver herself, she’s claimed 11 national event wins and achieved a third-place season finish recently . Yet, in 2023, she stepped back from racing to devote attention to family life. The couple’s journey reflects a balanced lifestyle blend: professional excellence and personal fulfillment outside the racing spotlight .
Adding to their story, the couple—married in 2021—is anticipating their first child this November. Tony humorously shared with Forbes that he’s in father-to-be mode, relying on a “Daddy App” to learn each new responsibility, and admitted his current lack of “setup sheets” or parenting knowledge .
Looking ahead, Tony plans to conclude his role as a NASCAR Cup Series team co-owner after the 2024 season. His successful Stewart-Haas Racing operation—boasting 69 Cup wins and two championships—will cease after fifteen years, with their four charters for sale. Tony admits the transition will be bittersweet: stepping back from the sport as both driver and owner marks the end of a monumental era .
With their first child on the horizon, Tony and Leah’s Alcatraz excursion offers a fleeting yet meaningful glimpse into a new chapter: the blending of racing legacies with family adventures.
