Tony Stewart Steps Down as Owner of Eldora Speedway: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr. Ready to Take Over
In a significant shift in the world of dirt track racing, Tony Stewart has officially announced that he will step down as the owner of Eldora Speedway, the iconic dirt oval he has owned and operated for over a decade. The announcement comes as Stewart prepares to pass the torch to two of NASCAR’s most beloved figures—Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr.—who are set to take over ownership responsibilities at the legendary track.
Eldora Speedway, located in Rossburg, Ohio, has long been one of the most revered venues in dirt racing. Under Stewart’s ownership, the track reached new heights, attracting major events like the World 100, the Kings Royal, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series’ Dirt Derby. Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and avid dirt track enthusiast, revitalized the track with his passion for racing and his expertise in both the business and technical aspects of motorsports.
For Stewart, dirt racing has always been a deep passion. His success in NASCAR never overshadowed his love for short-track racing, and he frequently competed in various dirt races throughout his career. His decision to purchase Eldora Speedway in 2004 was seen as a commitment to preserving and promoting dirt track racing at the highest level. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly to improve the track, modernize its facilities, and bring in larger events, making Eldora a hub for dirt racing fans across the country.
However, after years of involvement in both the corporate and competitive sides of racing, Stewart is stepping away to allow for a new chapter to unfold at Eldora. As part of the transition, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr., two NASCAR stars with their own deep roots in dirt track racing, are poised to take the reins of the track. Earnhardt Jr., known for his vast fan following and his work in the media industry, has long supported dirt racing and has been involved in various initiatives to promote short-track racing. Truex Jr., similarly, has a strong connection to dirt tracks and has expressed his excitement for this new venture.
Tony Stewart made it clear that his decision wasn’t an easy one, but he believes that Earnhardt Jr. and Truex Jr. are the perfect duo to carry Eldora Speedway into the future. “I’ve spent a lot of time building this track into something special, but I truly believe that Dale and Martin have the vision and passion to take it to the next level,” Stewart said in a statement. “They understand the history and tradition of Eldora, and I have full confidence that they’ll continue to make it a place where racers and fans alike can experience the best of dirt track racing.”
For Earnhardt Jr. and Truex Jr., the opportunity to own such a prestigious track is a dream come true. Both drivers have long respected the history of Eldora Speedway and are eager to continue its legacy. “Eldora is a track with so much history, and we’re both incredibly excited to be a part of its future,” said Earnhardt Jr. “Tony has done a phenomenal job, and we’re looking forward to keeping his vision alive while bringing our own ideas to the table.”
As the transition takes place, fans of Eldora Speedway and dirt racing are excited to see how this new ownership team will shape the future of one of motorsports’ most cherished venues. While Stewart will no longer be at the helm, his legacy at Eldora will remain, and with Earnhardt Jr. and Truex Jr. taking over, the track’s bright future is sure to continue.
