TONY STEWART SECURES $30 MILLION GLOBAL GAMING DEAL TO LAUNCH ELDORA SPEEDWAY’S BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO GAME
Legendary racer partners with leading developers to craft the ultimate Eldora Speedway experience for fans worldwide
In a landmark move set to revolutionize the intersection of motorsport and interactive entertainment, three-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart has inked a monumental $30 million contract with GameForge Studios to develop—and globally launch—the official Eldora Speedway video game. This next-generation racing title aims not only to capture the raw, high-octane excitement of Eldora’s famed dirt track but also to introduce millions of new fans to the legendary Ohio venue through an immersive digital experience.
A Trailblazing Partnership
Tony Stewart, whose storied driving career spans Cup Series championships and iconic victories on dirt tracks across America, will serve as both the creative director and chief brand ambassador for the project. Stewart’s hands-on involvement promises authenticity at every turn—from meticulously recreated track physics to the roar of engines as competitors kick up clouds of red clay.
“Eldora Speedway is a cornerstone of American motorsports heritage,” Stewart commented. “I wanted to honor its legacy by delivering a video game that replicates every nuance of the Eldora experience—wheel-to-wheel action, engine blow-offs, dust-filled straightaways, and the traditions that make Eldora the crown jewel of dirt racing.”
Under the agreement, GameForge Studios will leverage proprietary physics engines and photogrammetry techniques to build Eldora’s half-mile oval to exacting standards. The development timeline targets a global release in late 2026, with simultaneous launches on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and emerging cloud-gaming platforms.
Elevating Motorsports Gaming on the World Stage
While motorsport titles like Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo have long dominated the sim-racing genre, the Eldora Speedway video game will occupy a unique niche—one steeped in Americana yet engineered for international appeal. Developers plan to include multiple game modes ranging from solo time trials and narrative-driven career paths, to robust multiplayer tournaments, esports leagues, and special crossover events with other racing franchises.
This strategic breadth of content reflects the $30 million investment’s ambition: to create a game that resonates equally with seasoned dirt-track enthusiasts in the Midwest and with digital-native gamers in Europe, Asia, and beyond. Marketing campaigns will roll out in key territories, with localized trailers, influencer partnerships, and launch events in motorsport hubs such as Germany’s Nürburgring, Japan’s Suzuka Circuit, and Australia’s Bathurst.
A Win-Win for Eldora Speedway
Eldora Speedway, founded in 1954 by the late Earl Baltes and later purchased by Stewart himself in 2004, has grown into one of the globe’s most celebrated short-track venues. Hosting marquee events such as the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and the Kings Royal, Eldora attracts tens of thousands of spectators annually.
By translating the live-event atmosphere into a virtual world, the new game will serve as a powerful promotional vehicle—driving ticket sales, building brand awareness, and expanding Eldora’s footprint among digitally connected audiences. Eldora’s leadership anticipates that the video game will generate significant ancillary revenue through in-game cosmetics, track-pack DLCs, and themed merchandise collaborations.
“This partnership isn’t just about pixels and polygons; it’s about preserving Eldora’s traditions and sharing them with a generation that lives both on-track and online,” said Eldora Speedway COO Megan Daniels.
Pushing Technological Boundaries
GameForge Studios has committed to utilizing state-of-the-art graphics rendering and haptic feedback integration to heighten realism. Players will feel the car’s suspension respond to every bump, sense the difference between pack racing and single-file qualifying, and hear the authentic crackle of two-stroke methanol engines.
The studio will also support virtual reality (VR) compatibility at launch, allowing hardcore sim-racers to don a headset and experience Eldora as if they were strapped into the cockpit. Meanwhile, a “broadcast mode” will enable users to produce and livestream their races with dynamic camera angles, on-screen telemetry, and commentary features—virtually replicating a professional race broadcast.
Global Rollout and Esports Vision
GameForge and Stewart have designed a staggered global rollout, beginning with early-access beta events in North America and Europe in mid-2026, followed by full release in Q4. Pre-order tiers will include exclusive in-game paint schemes, behind-the-scenes development diaries narrated by Stewart, and VIP passes to Eldora Speedway’s 2027 World Finals events.
An official Eldora Speedway Esports League is slated to launch concurrently, featuring monthly online qualifiers and a Championship Series streamed on major gaming platforms. Top performers will earn invitations to compete on the real Eldora track at an invitational extravaganza, further blurring the lines between digital and physical racing.
Looking Ahead: Legacy in the Making
Tony Stewart’s $30 million commitment and deeply personal involvement underscore his passion for Eldora Speedway and dedication to innovation. As development ramps up, motorsport fans and gamers alike have much to anticipate—from authentic dirt-track dynamics and VR immersion, to global esports competitions and localized launch events.
With this historic partnership, Stewart and GameForge Studios are poised to deliver far more than a game: they’re crafting an international celebration of Eldora Speedway, ensuring that the red-clay spectacle he loves reaches screens—and hearts—across the world.
“The future of Eldora is bright,” Stewart reflected. “We’re going to show everyone what true dirt racing feels like—whether you’re sitting in the grandstands or playing from your living room halfway around the globe.”