—Eldora Speedway Gears Up for Historic Payout in Dirt Late Model Racing
ROSSBURG, Ohio —The hallowed grounds of Eldora Speedway will roar to life once again as one of the richest payouts in motorsports history takes center stage. On Thursday night, June 9, 2022, Tony Stewart, NASCAR Hall of Famer and owner of Eldora Speedway, will award a staggering $1,002,022 to the winner of the Eldora Million dirt late model race, making it the second-largest payout in motorsports—trailing only the prestigious Indianapolis 500.
The massive prize pool is attracting national attention and drawing top talent from across the country to the small town of Rossburg, Ohio, where dirt racing reigns supreme. Eldora Speedway, long known as one of the crown jewels of dirt tracks in the United States, continues to build on its legacy with this monumental event.
The origins of the Eldora Million date back to 2001, when the late Earl Baltes, founder of Eldora Speedway, stunned the racing world by offering a $1 million payday to the winner of a single dirt late model race. That event became legendary and helped elevate the profile of dirt racing to new heights. Now, more than two decades later, Stewart is bringing the concept back, with a modern twist and an equally massive purse.
“Eldora’s always been about doing big things in grassroots racing,” Stewart said in a recent interview. “We’re building on Earl’s legacy and making sure the fans and racers have an unforgettable experience. A million-dollar payday on dirt is something truly special.”
Thursday’s event is expected to draw a full house, with fans packing the grandstands and camping out across the facility, creating a festival-like atmosphere. The lead-up to the main event has been just as electric, with preliminary races and qualifying sessions showcasing the sport’s best talent.
The memory of past races still lingers, including scenes from the NASCAR Truck Series’ Mud Summer Classic held at Eldora in 2015. During that event, trucks raced past roaring grandstands in a thrilling display of speed and grit. The race was one of NASCAR’s rare ventures into dirt-track territory and helped cement Eldora’s reputation as a unique venue capable of hosting high-caliber events.
In the years since, Eldora has continued to be a pillar of short-track and dirt racing, with Stewart’s stewardship injecting new life and visibility into the scene. The return of the Eldora Million fits into this tradition, drawing not only established veterans of dirt late model racing but also aspiring stars looking to make a name for themselves on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
For many racers, the opportunity to compete for over a million dollars is life-changing. Dirt racing has long been a labor of love, with drivers and teams often traveling thousands of miles for modest payouts and the thrill of competition. The Eldora Million not only changes the stakes but also brings renewed spotlight to the sport.
“It’s not just about the money,” said one competitor during practice. “It’s about being part of history. Winning at Eldora is something you dream about. To do it for a million bucks? That’s the kind of thing that defines a career.”
As the anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Eldora Speedway this Thursday night. With a million-dollar purse, fierce competition, and a rich history as its backdrop, the Eldora Million promises to deliver one of the most thrilling spectacles in dirt racing history.
Whether you’re a lifelong dirt racing fan or new to the sport, one thing is clear: Eldora Speedway is once again making history—one lap at a time.
