Official: Tony Stewart Sells Eldora Speedway After Months of Speculation, Ending a Historic Chapter in American Motorsports
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Rossburg, OH – May 2, 2025
After months of swirling rumors, speculation, and behind-the-scenes negotiations, it’s finally official: Tony Stewart, the NASCAR legend and three-time Cup Series champion, has sold Eldora Speedway — the crown jewel of American dirt track racing.
The news, confirmed today through a joint statement from Stewart and the unnamed buyer group, marks the end of a remarkable two-decade chapter in the track’s storied history. Stewart, who purchased the iconic half-mile clay oval in 2004, is widely credited with elevating Eldora into one of the most prestigious and professionally run short tracks in the country.
“This isn’t just a business decision — it’s personal,” Stewart said during a press conference at the speedway. “Eldora has meant the world to me. But I believe it’s time for a new era, with new energy and fresh ideas to carry this place forward.”
The sale concludes a months-long negotiation process that captivated fans and insiders across the motorsports world. Details remain closely guarded, but sources close to the deal suggest that the new ownership group includes prominent figures from both racing and business, with a strong commitment to maintaining the venue’s grassroots integrity.
Stewart’s legacy at Eldora is unmatched. Since acquiring the facility from Earl Baltes, the track’s legendary founder, Stewart invested millions into modernizing and expanding Eldora without sacrificing its old-school charm. Under his leadership, Eldora became the first dirt track to host a NASCAR-sanctioned national series event in nearly 40 years — the Truck Series’ “Mudsummer Classic” — a move that helped spark a renaissance in dirt racing nationwide.
Beyond NASCAR, Stewart brought world-class events like the “Eldora Million,” the “Kings Royal,” and the “World 100” to new heights, drawing fans from all 50 states and competitors from across the globe. The track became not just a venue, but a pilgrimage site for dirt racing purists.
“To say Tony changed Eldora is an understatement,” said veteran dirt late model driver Darrell McCormick. “He made it the heartbeat of the sport.”
The future of Eldora Speedway appears secure, though changes are inevitable. The new ownership is expected to retain much of the current staff and maintain the annual calendar of events, at least for the immediate future. While questions remain about long-term direction — including potential expansion, media partnerships, and technology upgrades — early signals suggest a deep respect for the track’s roots.
“We’re not here to reinvent Eldora,” a representative for the new ownership group said. “We’re here to build on what Tony and Earl created — and carry it forward for the next generation.”
As Stewart transitions out of ownership, he emphasized that his departure does not mean disengagement from racing. He remains active in the NHRA, SRX Series, and grassroots motorsports initiatives nationwide. However, he admits this moment is bittersweet.
“This place is part of my soul,” Stewart said, his voice cracking. “But I believe I’m leaving it in good hands.”
As fans flock to Eldora this summer for what’s sure to be an emotional slate of events, they’ll be doing more than watching races — they’ll be witnessing history. And while the torch has been passed, the fire that Stewart helped ignite will continue to burn brightly under Ohio’s night skies.
