Tony Stewart, the former NASCAR champion and motorsports legend, recently demonstrated his deep love for animals by using his nearly $10 million private jet to help a disabled dog named Harley travel over 1,700 miles to her forever home in Indiana. Harley, a two-legged dog, had been fostered for five months by Mark J. Rebilas, a sports photographer and storm chaser based in Phoenix, who needed assistance in transporting her to her new family. Stewart, along with his wife Leah Pruett, a 12-time NHRA winner, stepped in to pilot the private jet for this noble cause, showcasing their commitment to animal welfare.
Stewart’s private plane, a Cessna Citation CJ4, is a twin-engine jet with a range of 2,000 nautical miles, making it well-suited for such long-distance flights. The $10 million aircraft was used without hesitation to ensure Harley’s safe and comfortable journey. Stewart’s history of caring for animals is well-known; his Hidden Hollow Ranch is home to various wildlife, and he has previously owned unique pets such as Mojo, a pet monkey famous in NASCAR circles, and a pig named Porkchop. Currently, he also cares for Cash, an Australian Shepherd belonging to his wife Leah.
This act of kindness was publicly acknowledged by Mark J. Rebilas on social media, who expressed gratitude to Tony Stewart and Leah Pruett for their help in transporting Harley. Tony Stewart Racing Nitro also shared the story, highlighting the positive impact of Stewart’s gesture in the animal community.
Stewart’s passion for animals aligns with a broader trend in the NASCAR community, where many drivers are known for their love of pets. For example, Shane van Gisbergen brought his large Rhodesian Ridgeback dog to NASCAR races, and Alex Bowman has donated significant funds to animal welfare organizations while featuring rescued dogs on his race car. Daniel Suarez is also a noted animal lover who supports rescue groups and often brings his pets to races. This shared affection for animals strengthens the community and encourages acts of kindness like Stewart’s.
In addition to his animal advocacy, Tony Stewart has recently achieved significant milestones in his racing career. His wife Leah Pruett gave birth to their son in November 2024, and Stewart secured his first NHRA Top Fuel victory in Las Vegas Motor Speedway in April 2025, defeating top competitors with a final pass of 3.870 seconds at 317.42 mph.
Overall, Tony Stewart’s use of his private jet to aid a disabled dog exemplifies his generosity and dedication to helping animals in need, reinforcing his reputation not only as a racing champion but also as a compassionate animal lover within the motorsports community.
