Eldora Speedway planned to race into the AM; Abruptly halted

USAC drivers say the World of Outlaws drivers are to blame for the postponement

This weekend, Eldora Speedway welcomes the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series in addition to USAC. It’s been over a year since fans attended the famed dirt track in Rossburg, Ohio.

Track owner Tony Stewart stood by the front gate and greeted fans early in the afternoon. Dirt racing fans packed the stands, excited for a night of racing on the half-mile.

However, rain rolled into the area on Friday afternoon. The race was put on delay and looked to be heading to a postponement.

Tony Stewart addresses fans via the big screen

“So sorry about the rain. Obviously, you can’t control mother nature,” Tony Stewart started over the track PA system.

“It is what it is. I hate to say it but…”

Stewart’s facial expression shifted, “Did you guys honestly think that after 587 days that we were going to call this for rain? Are you guys nuts?”

Stewart concluded, “Hey Rob, roll those trucks, roll this thing in. We’re racing tonight.”

Eldora Speedway has regular fought mother nature, and won. It’s not totally uncommon, I recall a race a few years ago that concluded around 3-4am.

In the hours that followed, track workers frantically worked to prepare the racing surface. Around midnight, the show began. Hot laps and qualifying were run.

However, around 2am, the event was postponed. Now, the track will host a double -header on saturday.

What happened?

Robert Ballou stated via twitter, “Hey Eldora Speedway, the USAC Nation cars engine heat twice, wheel packed, hot lapped twice and qualified. Now, becuase the World of Outlaws drivers think it’s too narrow you pull the plug. What about all the fans who spent their time and money and all the USAC owners… What a joke”

He later added, “Just to clear the air, USAC was forced to not race. This was solely the World of Outlaws and some of the PLATINUM Members complaining to Tony, ‘It’s not safe. It’s too narrow’. But, tomorrow’s day show is going to be better? Man up or stay on the couch #mean15 #sissies”

Links

Eldora Speedway | World of Outlaws | USAC

Categories

Tags