Rossburg, OH – May 2, 2025
Racing fans and film buffs alike have something to celebrate with the surprise release of “The Dirt Never Sleeps,” a powerful new documentary that captures the soul of Eldora Speedway — the legendary dirt track that has defined grassroots racing for more than half a century.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Carson Bell and produced in partnership with Mid-Ohio Films, the feature-length documentary dropped just hours ago on major streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime. The film arrives at a pivotal time for Eldora, just days after news broke that Tony Stewart had sold the speedway, ending a historic 21-year era of ownership.
“This film was never meant to be a goodbye,” Bell said at the Rossburg premiere. “But sometimes the story writes itself. What started as a portrait of a racetrack became a chronicle of change.”
“The Dirt Never Sleeps” dives deep into Eldora’s roots, tracing its founding in 1954 by Earl Baltes, through its golden years, and into the Stewart era, where it became a nationally recognized hub of dirt track excellence. Through intimate interviews with drivers, fans, former crew members, and Stewart himself, the film captures not just races, but the culture and community that grew around the clay.
What sets the documentary apart is its raw, boots-on-the-ground perspective. Filmmakers spent over two years embedded at Eldora, filming everything from early-morning pit setups to late-night celebrations, capturing both the adrenaline of race day and the quiet moments in between.
From the thunder of sprint cars to the drama of the Eldora Million, the film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the high stakes, heartbreaks, and triumphs that define life on dirt. But at its core, it’s about people — generations of racers and dreamers bound together by a shared obsession with speed.
Among the most emotional moments is a never-before-seen interview with Stewart reflecting on his decision to purchase the track in 2004.
“I didn’t just buy a racetrack,” he says in the film. “I took on a legacy. You don’t change a place like Eldora — you try to live up to it.”
Fans and critics are already calling the film a landmark motorsports documentary. Within hours of its release, “The Dirt Never Sleeps” became a trending topic on social media, with viewers praising its authenticity and emotional depth.
“This is Hoop Dreams for dirt racing,” tweeted ESPN motorsports analyst Rachel Myers. “Pure, real, and absolutely unforgettable.”
The documentary’s release comes at a time of transition, with the track’s new ownership group pledging to honor the legacy that Stewart and Baltes built. For many, the film feels like a time capsule — preserving the heart of Eldora just as it enters its next chapter.
As the sun sets on one era and rises on another, “The Dirt Never Sleeps” serves as a reminder: while drivers and owners may change, the spirit of Eldora — forged in clay, sweat, and speed — will always endure.
