Tony Stewart Unveils $10 Million Eldora Speedway Expansion and Launches American Dirt Racing League for 2026
Rossburg, Ohio — April 28, 2025
In a groundbreaking announcement that has sent ripples through the motorsports community, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart revealed a comprehensive $10 million expansion plan for Eldora Speedway, his iconic half-mile dirt track located in Rossburg, Ohio. Accompanying this ambitious development is the introduction of a new national dirt racing series, the American Dirt Racing League (ADRL), set to debut in the spring of 2026.
Elevating Eldora: A Vision for the Future
Addressing a crowd of fans, media personnel, and racing insiders at Eldora’s infield, Stewart outlined his vision for the future of dirt racing. “Eldora has always been about pushing the limits,” Stewart stated. “We’re not just upgrading facilities — we’re creating opportunities for the next generation of dirt racers. This is about giving back to the sport that made me who I am.”
The expansion encompasses several key projects aimed at enhancing both the competitor and fan experience:
State-of-the-Art Pit and Garage Area: Designed to accommodate larger fields of competitors, the new facilities will streamline operations and provide top-tier amenities for racing teams.
Upgraded Grandstands: An increase of 5,000 seats, including new luxury boxes and hospitality suites, will elevate the spectator experience and accommodate the growing fanbase.
Expanded Campgrounds and On-Site Lodging: The addition of an RV park and boutique cabins will offer fans convenient and comfortable accommodations, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with events.
Enhanced Track Surface and Lighting: Improvements focused on making Eldora the premier night-racing destination globally, ensuring optimal racing conditions and visibility.
High-Tech Media Center: Aimed at delivering national broadcast-quality coverage, the new media center will facilitate comprehensive event coverage and content creation.
Introducing the American Dirt Racing League (ADRL)
The centerpiece of Stewart’s announcement is the creation of the American Dirt Racing League, a touring dirt track series featuring a 16-race schedule across the Midwest and Southeast. Eldora Speedway will host both the season opener and the championship finale, positioning itself as the heart of the new series.
The ADRL will showcase:
Diverse Racing Divisions: Including late models, sprint cars, and a new division of high-performance dirt modifieds, offering a broad spectrum of dirt racing disciplines.
Substantial Prize Money: With a $500,000 purse for the championship event, the series aims to provide significant financial incentives for competitors.
Focus on Grassroots Racing: Emphasizing the passion, grit, and community inherent in grassroots dirt racing, the ADRL seeks to provide a platform for drivers to pursue their careers sustainably.
“This isn’t just another series,” Stewart emphasized. “We’re taking the best parts of grassroots dirt racing — the passion, the grit, the community — and giving it a platform that’s never existed before. Fans are going to get real racing, real rivalries, and drivers are going to have a real chance to make a living doing what they love.”
Community and Industry Reactions
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from the racing community. Veteran dirt driver and former Eldora winner Jonathan Davenport hailed it as “the most exciting thing to happen to dirt racing in decades.” Fans took to social media, propelling hashtags like #NewEldora and #TonyStewartADRL to trend nationwide within hours.
Construction Timeline and Future Outlook
Construction for the expansion is slated to commence next month, with completion targeted for late 2025. The full unveiling is scheduled for Eldora Speedway’s 2026 season opener, coinciding with the inaugural race of the ADRL.
Stewart concluded the announcement with a rallying call: “We’re building something for the die-hards, the dreamers, and the daredevils. If you love dirt racing, get ready — because Eldora’s about to set the standard all over again.”
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*For more information on the Eldora Speedway expansion and the American Dirt Racing League, visit Eldora Speedway’s official website.*
