NASCAR Trucks wont return to Eldora Speedway for Dirt Derby in 2021

A legendary chapter in the history of Eldora Speedway and NASCAR will come to a close

In 2013, NASCAR and the dirt racing world united to create one spectacular night of racing. To host the race and throughout the years, the track added new wall openings, gates, a track scoring system, an infield medical center, a concrete pad for fuel trucks, new fire trucks and personnel equipment, a widened pit lane, an RV lot for drivers and owners, a hd tv screen, caution lights on race surface, a helipad, tv camera decks, a spotters stand, an lte cell tower and fiber network for the entire facility.

All the hard hard paid off as the event was a massive success. Austin Dillon drove to victory lane in the inaugural event.

“This is real racing right here. That’s all I got to say,” Dillon stated after climbing from his truck.

Since 2013, the race has been won by Austin Dillon, Bubba Wallace, Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Matt Crafton, Chase Briscoe and Stewart Friesen.

After the race in 2019, the track was voted ‘NASCAR’s Best Track’ by a fan pole is USA Today. To clarify, that’s not an award for best dirt track, it’s best track overall.

From 2013-2019, the NASCAR dirt race at Eldora was seen by 5 million fans on Fox Sports.

2020 cancellation; New 2021 NASCAR dirt race

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the race to be cancelled as Eldora Speedway was unable to host spectators or contestants. Their truck date was moved to Kansas Speedway.

Now, it appears the 2019 event will be the last for the NASCAR Trucks at Eldora Speedway.

The 2021 NASCAR Truck Series schedule has not been released. However, Eldora Speedway issued a statement to their ticket holders announcing that the event will not take place in 2021.

While NASCAR will not return to the half-mile high banked oval in 2021, a new NASCAR dirt race is set to take shape. In the spring, Bristol Motor Speedway will host the NASCAR Cup Series, on dirt.

The NASCAR dirt race at Bristol will be the first NASCAR Cup Series race on dirt since 1970.

Related: Kyle Larson on NASCAR’s upcoming Bristol dirt race, “I think it’s still 500 laps. So, that’s pretty crazy.”

Eldora Speedway: Letter to fans regarding NASCAR dirt race

Eldora Speedway and Roger Slack issued the following letter on Wednesday to ticket holders of the NASCAR Truck Series event:

“On behalf of Tony and out entire team here at Eldora, I would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. As the holiday and Christmas season begin in earnest next week, let’s hope it is the hot lap session prior to the green flag for a promising 2021!

“I am writing you today as a loyal patron of both Eldora and our ground-breaking NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race held since 2013.”

“Eldora Speedway will not be hosting a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event in 2021.”

“Both Eldora Speedway and the communities our racetrack calls home are extremely proud of the collective effort we put into making NASCAR’s return to dirt a success. It was a truly collaborative endeavor between Eldora, NASCAR, the teams and Fox Sports that brought dirt racing back to NASCAR for the first time in almost 43 years.”

“We had a great seven-year run that ushered in many firsts for NASCAR, namely heat races, last-chance qualifiers, four-wide salutes and stage racing. Rising stars and dirt-racing specialists ensured we never had a repeat winner and that all winners came from various racing backgrounds, from dirt and asphalt to open wheel and stock cars.”

“However, none of it would have been possible without you, our great race fans and your continued support of this one-of-a-kind event.”

“Our 2021 calendar will be announced soon, and Eldora is doubling down on its reputation as home of the The Biggest Dirt Racers in The World.”

Related: What does it cost to rent a NASCAR truck for the Eldora Dirt Derby?

Eldora NASCAR TV Channel
Eldora Truck Race (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
NASCAR race at Eldora: Awards Won

2013
-NASCAR Myers Brothers award recipient (Tony Stewart)

-Mission Award recipient (Track Services)

-NASCAR Team Work Award (Eldora Infield Care Center)

-Speed Sport Outstanding Short Track Event of the Year

2019
-USA Today 10 Best Readers choice Poll winner (Best NASCAR Track)

-RPM Auto Racing Promoter of the Year (Roger Slack)

Related: Humpy Wheeler talks financials of bringing a NASCAR Cup Series event to Eldora Speedway

Links

Eldora Speedway | NASCAR

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