In 2021, Tony Stewart made the decision to sever his ties with NASCAR’s Truck Series races at Eldora, a move that surprised many in the motorsports community. Contrary to popular belief, this split was not initiated by NASCAR but by Stewart himself, triggered by a mix of personal and professional frustrations. As the owner of Eldora Speedway in Ohio, Stewart felt overlooked by NASCAR officials, especially after he discovered through unofficial channels that the inaugural NASCAR Cup dirt race would take place at Bristol instead of Eldora.
Stewart had long championed the introduction of dirt track racing into NASCAR’s national series, investing heavily to elevate Eldora’s profile during its eight years hosting the Truck Series. He had hoped that the success at Eldora would open doors for similar events in higher NASCAR divisions like the Xfinity and Cup Series. Learning about Bristol’s selection just days before the 2021 schedule announcement left him feeling blindsided and pushed him to abruptly end the Eldora Truck deal.
Communication Breakdown and Frustrations as a Track Owner
Stewart’s dissatisfaction stemmed largely from a perceived lack of transparency and communication from NASCAR. As a track owner deeply invested in the sport’s growth on dirt surfaces, he expressed frustration that no one within NASCAR approached him directly regarding future plans involving Eldora or the upcoming Cup dirt race. This absence of dialogue heightened his sense of being sidelined during critical decisions affecting his venue and the sport’s dirt racing ambitions.
“I felt like I’d been mule-kicked in the gut… This was entirely our decision. People need to understand that. I am extremely frustrated as a track owner that there was zero communication from NASCAR. Nobody ever had any conversation with me about Eldora or Cup on dirt until the deal with Bristol was about to be announced,” Stewart told AP’s Jenna Fryer.
Moreover, Stewart faced corporate obstacles when attempting to sign Kyle Larson, a high-profile driver who was suspended in 2020 following use of a racial slur. Despite Stewart-Haas Racing’s interest in Larson, approval from corporate governance remained out of reach. Larson later joined Hendrick Motorsports and captured the 2021 Cup Series championship, an outcome Stewart views with mixed emotions as he contended with setbacks on multiple fronts.
A Growing Personal and Professional Transition in 2021
Alongside the turbulence in NASCAR, 2021 marked a pivotal year for Stewart personally and professionally. During this time, he developed a relationship with drag racer Leah Pruett, shifting much of his focus into the drag racing world. The couple met just before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, and Stewart soon immersed himself in Pruett’s racing environment, even enrolling at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School to gain firsthand experience.
“My personal life is the best it’s ever been, by far. She gets me. And I enjoy going to her events and being the one doing the supporting. I mean, if she wanted me to support her at basket-weaving competitions I probably wouldn’t enjoy it, but I am very happy with this relationship and where my life is right now,” Stewart added.
Stewart continued managing multiple motorsports properties including Eldora, the Macon Speedway in Illinois, and Paducah International Raceway in Kentucky, while also preparing to launch the new SRX series alongside Ray Evernham. Despite rumors suggesting NASCAR’s removal of Eldora was retaliatory due to SRX involvement, Stewart dismissed such speculation.
“If people are worried about Ray Evernham, me and six races, they’ve got bigger things to worry about,” Stewart mentioned in the same interview.
The Lasting Impact of the Eldora Departure and Future Prospects
Tony Stewart’s decision to pull Eldora from NASCAR’s Truck Series schedule reflects his complex relationship with both the sport and its officials. While Stewart’s efforts demonstrated a genuine passion for integrating dirt racing into NASCAR’s mainstream, the lack of recognition and dialogue from NASCAR leadership created an irreparable rift. His departure shifted the trajectory of dirt racing in NASCAR, allowing Bristol to take the spotlight but leaving Eldora’s future at the forefront of conversation.
Since then, Stewart has embraced a dual role as a motorsports entrepreneur and drag racing enthusiast, balancing the responsibilities of track ownership with personal milestones. Four years on, he and Leah Pruett are parents to a six-month-old son and continue their involvement at the highest levels of motorsports, with Stewart leading the NHRA points after nine races in the current season. This new chapter highlights how both professional setbacks and personal growth have intertwined during a period of significant change for Stewart.
