Legendary NASCAR Icon and Three-Time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart’s Dirt Racing Sanctuary, the Iconic “Big E” Eldora Speedway, Draws Thousands of Racing Fans for a Thrilling Weekend of Action
ROSSBURG, OHIO — Thousands of die-hard racing fans made the pilgrimage to western Ohio this past weekend to witness the roar of engines and the spray of dirt at one of the most beloved venues in American motorsports: Eldora Speedway. Known affectionately as “The Big E,” this iconic half-mile dirt track, owned by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart, once again delivered the electric atmosphere and heart-pounding racing action that have made it a cornerstone of grassroots motorsports.
Stewart, a legendary figure in American racing and a passionate advocate for short track and dirt racing, purchased Eldora Speedway in 2004. Since then, he has poured time, money, and heart into preserving the soul of the track while elevating its profile nationally. Under his stewardship, Eldora has become a must-see destination not only for diehard dirt racing enthusiasts but also for NASCAR stars, up-and-coming talent, and motorsports fans looking for a more intimate, adrenaline-packed experience.
This past weekend’s event—one of several marquee races hosted annually at Eldora—drew an estimated 20,000 fans from across the Midwest and beyond. The stands were packed with families, lifelong fans, and newcomers, all eager to take in the thunder of sprint cars, late models, and modifieds kicking up clouds of Ohio clay. For many, attending an event at Eldora is more than just a race; it’s a tradition.
“This is hallowed ground,” said Brenda Wilcox, a fan who’s attended races at Eldora for over 30 years. “You feel the history the moment you walk through the gates. And every time Tony Stewart steps onto this dirt, it’s like watching royalty.”
Indeed, Stewart is no absentee owner. Not only is he involved in operations behind the scenes, but he often suits up and races on the track himself, delighting fans who relish the opportunity to see a NASCAR legend mixing it up with local heroes. This connection to the racing community has made Stewart and Eldora a symbol of authenticity in a sport that has sometimes been criticized for losing touch with its roots.
Eldora’s success stems from its unique blend of nostalgia and modern flair. While the track maintains its classic dirt oval format and small-town charm, Stewart has invested in state-of-the-art facilities, including improved seating, upgraded lighting, and high-definition video boards, enhancing the fan experience without sacrificing the track’s gritty appeal.
The weekend’s schedule was jam-packed with heat races, qualifying runs, and main events, each offering its own drama and showcasing the diverse skills of drivers navigating the unpredictable dirt surface. The roar of engines, the scent of rubber and fuel, and the sight of rooster tails flying into the night sky created an atmosphere unlike any other.
One of the weekend’s highlights came during the feature late model race, when a photo finish between regional favorite Tyler Erb and veteran driver Jonathan Davenport brought the crowd to its feet. Erb, who cut his teeth on tracks just like Eldora, credited the venue and its fans for pushing drivers to their limits.
“There’s no place like Eldora,” Erb said in a post-race interview. “When you win here, it means something. The fans are loud, the track is fast, and the competition is always elite.”
Beyond the racing, Eldora offers a carnival-like environment with camping, vendor booths, autograph sessions, and family-friendly activities. Many fans arrive days in advance, setting up elaborate campsites and soaking in the camaraderie that defines dirt racing culture. From cookouts to late-night storytelling around the campfire, the Eldora experience is as much about community as it is competition.
Looking ahead, Eldora is set to host several more major events this season, including the prestigious Dirt Late Model Dream and the World 100, both of which attract national attention and cement the track’s status as the crown jewel of dirt racing.
For Tony Stewart, Eldora Speedway is more than a business venture—it’s a living, breathing tribute to the sport that made him a star. And for the thousands who fill its grandstands each year, it remains a sanctuary where tradition, speed, and passion collide on a track that never fails to deliver.
