“Smoke Rises” – Eldora Speedway to Unveil Statue Honoring Tony Stewart
ROSSBURG, OH – July 2025 — In a fitting tribute to one of racing’s most passionate figures, Eldora Speedway will unveil a bronze statue of Tony “Smoke” Stewart, immortalizing the man who turned a historic dirt track into a racing empire.
The monument, titled “Smoke Rises,” will be installed at the main fan entrance of Eldora, a place Stewart has called home since purchasing the track in 2004. More than just a driver, Stewart’s legacy at Eldora is rooted in his mission to preserve the heart of grassroots racing while pushing the sport forward.
Statue Design and Symbolism
Crafted by renowned motorsports sculptor Lou Cella, the life-size bronze statue captures Stewart in his iconic dirt racing fire suit, helmet in one hand, the other raised high, fingers coated in imaginary dust. His expression is pure Stewart: intense, focused, defiant.
Behind him rises a spiral of carved “smoke” — a subtle reference to his nickname and his fiery legacy. The base of the statue is shaped like Eldora’s half-mile oval, etched with Stewart’s greatest career achievements:
- 3x NASCAR Cup Series Champion (2002, 2005, 2011)
- 1997 IRL Champion
- NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee (2020)
- Owner of Eldora Speedway since 2004
Stewart’s Statement
“Eldora means everything to me,” said Stewart. “This place reminds people why we fall in love with racing. To have a statue here? It’s emotional. I just wanted to give fans and racers a place that feels like home. That’s all I ever tried to do.”
Inscription on the Monument:
Tony Stewart
“Smoke” – Racer. Champion. Steward of Dirt.From the pavement to the clay, from the Indy 500 to the Kings Royal, Tony Stewart’s fire burned brightest when the lights came on and the dirt flew.
A fearless driver, a fierce competitor, and a relentless advocate for the soul of racing.
“He didn’t just drive the sport—he drove it forward.”
Why Eldora?
Stewart’s acquisition of Eldora saved one of America’s most iconic dirt tracks from uncertainty. Under his leadership, it has become home to:
- The Eldora Million
- The World 100
- NASCAR’s first national-level dirt race in over 40 years (Truck Series, 2013)
His commitment to preserving the magic of dirt racing has earned him admiration not just as a driver, but as a steward of the sport.
️ Statue Unveiling Ceremony
- Date: August 7, 2025
- Location: Eldora Speedway Front Entrance
- Special Guests: NASCAR legends, dirt racing champions, and fans from across the nation
- Live Broadcast: FloRacing and MRN
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