Tony Stewart Announces $10 Million Eldora Speedway Expansion — New Dirt Racing Series to Launch in 2026
In a stunning announcement that sent shockwaves through the motorsports world, Tony Stewart revealed today that Eldora Speedway, the iconic dirt track he owns in Rossburg, Ohio, is set for a massive $10 million expansion. Along with the expansion, Stewart also introduced plans for a brand-new national dirt racing series set to debut in 2026 — a project that he claims will “change the face of grassroots racing forever.”
Speaking to a crowd of fans, media members, and racing insiders at Eldora’s infield, Stewart outlined a bold vision for the future of dirt racing. “Eldora has always been about pushing the limits,” Stewart said. “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 will feature several key projects:
A brand-new state-of-the-art pit and garage area designed to accommodate larger fields of competitors.
Upgraded grandstands to increase fan capacity by 5,000 seats, including new luxury boxes and hospitality suites.
Expanded campgrounds and on-site lodging options, including an RV park and boutique cabins for fans traveling across the country.
Enhanced track surface and lighting, with a focus on making Eldora the premiere night-racing destination in the world.
A high-tech media center to bring national broadcast quality coverage to all events.
However, the centerpiece of Stewart’s announcement was the creation of the new American Dirt Racing League (ADRL), a touring dirt track series that will feature a 16-race schedule across the Midwest and Southeast, with Eldora hosting both the season opener and the championship finale. The ADRL will focus on late models, sprint cars, and a new division of high-performance dirt modifieds, with substantial prize money on the line — including a $500,000 purse for the championship event.
“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.”
When asked about the timing of the project, Stewart grinned. “We’ve been working on this behind the scenes for over a year. Now the pieces are in place. The bulldozers roll next month, and the first ADRL green flag drops in spring 2026.”
Reaction from the racing community was immediate. Veteran dirt driver and former Eldora winner Jonathan Davenport called it “the most exciting thing to happen to dirt racing in decades.” Fans flooded social media with enthusiastic messages, with hashtags like #NewEldora and #TonyStewartADRL trending nationwide within hours.
Stewart, never one to back away from big ideas, closed the announcement with a challenge: “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.”
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025, with a full unveiling scheduled for the track’s 2026 season opener.