John Force Criticizes Tony Stewart, Owner of Eldora Speedway, Over Recent Track Decisions and Management Style, Raising Concerns About the Future of Dirt Track Racing
In a surprising and controversial move, legendary NHRA driver John Force, a 16-time Funny Car world champion, has publicly criticized Tony Stewart, the former NASCAR driver turned Eldora Speedway owner, for his recent decisions regarding the management and future direction of the iconic dirt track. Force, who has been a part of the racing world for decades, voiced his concerns about the track’s direction under Stewart’s leadership, especially regarding the track’s management, racing schedules, and overall commitment to the grassroots motorsport community.
Force’s comments came in a recent interview, where he stated that he felt Stewart’s leadership style, while innovative in some aspects, was veering too far away from the traditional values that have made dirt track racing such a beloved part of motorsports culture. According to Force, there are growing concerns among drivers, fans, and sponsors about the direction of Eldora Speedway since Stewart took over ownership.
“I respect Tony’s success as a driver, but I just don’t understand some of the decisions being made down there at Eldora,” Force said during the interview. “It feels like we’re losing the heart of what makes dirt track racing special, and I think it’s a real shame. I’ve been in this sport for long enough to know when things are heading in the wrong direction, and right now, there’s a lot of frustration with how things are being run at Eldora.”
One of Force’s main points of contention lies in Stewart’s handling of the race schedules at Eldora. The speedway, which hosts some of the most prestigious dirt races in the world, including the famed World 100, has seen significant changes to its calendar since Stewart’s acquisition. Force argues that some of the events have lost their charm, with a greater focus on attracting mainstream sponsorships and more money-driven decisions, rather than staying true to the grassroots nature of dirt track racing. Force believes this shift is causing a disconnect between the drivers and the loyal fans who have supported the sport for years.
“Dirt racing has always been about the fans and the drivers,” Force continued. “But now it feels like Eldora is more about making money and less about putting on a good show for the people who love this sport. That’s not what racing is all about. I don’t care how big the sponsorship checks get, if you lose sight of what makes this sport great, it won’t matter in the long run.”
Force also took issue with Stewart’s approach to the track’s management, criticizing what he perceives as a lack of engagement with the racing community. While Stewart has been praised for modernizing the facility and bringing in new technologies, Force argues that some of these changes have come at the expense of the track’s traditional charm and character. He cited recent modifications to the infield and changes to the overall atmosphere of the track, which, according to Force, have alienated some longtime fans and drivers.
Stewart, who has yet to publicly respond to Force’s criticism, has made headlines in recent years for his success in the business of motorsports. Since acquiring Eldora Speedway, he has worked to expand the facility’s offerings, attracting new sponsors and upgrading amenities. However, many dirt racing purists, like Force, feel that the changes are straying too far from the sport’s roots.
Despite the tensions between the two racing icons, Force expressed hope that Stewart would reconsider some of his recent decisions and listen to the concerns of the racing community. “Tony has the potential to do great things with Eldora,” Force said. “But he needs to remember why people fell in love with dirt track racing in the first place.”
As the controversy continues to develop, racing fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see if Stewart responds to Force’s criticism and whether any significant changes will take place at Eldora Speedway in the future. For now, it seems that the relationship between these two motorsport legends is one of uncertainty, with Force’s public rebuke sparking a much-needed conversation about the future of dirt track racing and the role of track owners in shaping the sport’s legacy.
