Various instances of storms and bad weather have popped up in the past few weeks, disrupting, if not all, many of the NASCAR races all over America. On Friday, the Indy 500 practice session was delayed due to raging winds and torrential rainfall, which also led to several accidents on track. Now, even in the Midwest, as sandstorms swept through the racetracks, disrupting the races and dampening spirits. But despite the tough weather, the show must go on, and power-couple Leah Pruett and Tony Stewart were present at Route 66 for the NHRA race weekend. Despite the tough weather conditions, the fans made sure that Pruett and Stewart had the best time.
Pre-birthday festivities for Tony Stewart
Heading into the race weekend, Smoke is nearing his 54th birthday, which is on May 20. The fans ensured that they sent out early birthday wishes to their favorite driver in some style. One fan gifted the couple a cake which had the photos of Stewart and Pruett from their marriage, Smoke’s first Top Fuel win in Las Vegas, and even their baby boy, Dominic, was featured on the cake. It is hard to find who sent out the cake, but Pruett shared a message via her Instagram story stating, “Thank you to our favorite cake lady!” And this wasn’t their last treat of the day.
Another story posted only a few minutes later was captioned, “We have the best fans! Thanks for the treats,” with a picture of Leah with the cakes gifted to the couple by their loving fans. She even posted a photo with a fan who had the banner of Pruett being sponsored by the chain restaurant, Papa John’s Pizza. The interesting part about the banner was that it was signed by Leah and had a caption, “The way it was… Is the way it is.” It’s not just Leah, but Illinois has been a special place for Tony Stewart as well.
The 3-time NASCAR Cup Series champ has three race wins at the Chicagoland Speedway, which is the most by any NASCAR driver. Although he has switched lanes from NASCAR’s oval to the drag strips of NHRA, he is excited for his feature in the Joliet area. “I’ve had the luxury of running the mile-and-a-half track, obviously. I’ve ran the dirt track that’s right besides the drag strips and now I’m gonna get the trifecta at Chicagoland and get to run all three racetracks. A lot of our friends who used to watch us in open wheel cars growing up are gonna come to the race and get to see us do something totally outside of the box.” He said this in an interview with CBS. No wonder they got so much love for their visit to Route 66.
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 28: Tony Stewart 314 TA Mobil 1 McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster talks with fans and his wife, Leah Pruett 777 TF Dodge Power Brokers Top Fuel Dragster during the Motorsport, Herren, USA, Dragster Drag Race Nevada Nationals on October 28, 2022, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Jeff Speer/LVMS/Icon Sportswire AUTO: OCT 28 NHRA Nevada Nationals Icon221028007 | Credits: Imago
Well, this seemed like a return gift after the couple were involved in a good deed, helping out a furry friend.
Leah Pruett and Tony Stewart are great foster parents
Smoke is an animal lover, fans know that his Hidden Hallow Ranch is home to elk, deer and turkey. There was a time when a monkey named Mojo used to feature at NASCAR races, he was Stewart’s pet. But after a while, he donated Mojo to a Zoo, but his love for the animals hasn’t withered over the years, and it was evident with his gesture.
He piloted his private jet for a greater cause. Accompanied by his wife, Leah Pruett, the duo transported a disabled dog named Harley. Mark J. Rebilas, a sports photographer and storm chaser based in Phoenix, was fostering Harley, looking for her forever home. They did find just the right place for Harley but it was 1700 miles away in Indiana, this is where Smoke stepped in.
Rebilas hailed Stewart’s efforts on X: “HUGE thanks to @TonyStewart and @LeahPruett_TF for helping my wife and I transport a two legged dog Harley that we’ve fostered for the last five months in Arizona to her forever home in Indiana. Now I owe Tony a tornado chase trip soon! ” Stewart made the perfect use of his private jet. The twin-engine CJ4 from Cessna is reported to be priced around $10 million. Although it is primarily used for corporate purposes, Smoke didn’t mind sharing the ride with Harley.
The post Tony Stewart & Leah Pruett Blessed With Special Gesture From Fans as Mother Nature Wreaks Havoc in Midwest appeared first on EssentiallySports.