Dirt Late Model Drivers React to Eldora Speedway’s New Qualifying Night Format
Eldora Speedway’s 2024 Dirt Late Model Dream introduced a significant shift in its qualifying format, splitting the field into two separate preliminary nights—Thursday and Friday—each featuring a 40-lap, $25,000-to-win feature. This change aimed to enhance competition, reduce costs, and streamline the event schedule. (Eldora Speedway Restructures Dirt Late Model Dream Format For 2024 – FloRacing, 2024 Eldora Speedway Schedule Released – County News Online)
Driver Perspectives
The response from drivers has been mixed. Some appreciate the opportunity to race for substantial purses in a single night, potentially reducing expenses related to tires, fuel, and wear on equipment. Eldora General Manager Jerry Gappens noted that this format allows drivers to earn more in one night than in previous two-night events, with each preliminary night offering a purse exceeding $120,000 . (Eldora Speedway Restructures Dirt Late Model Dream Format For 2024 – FloRacing, 2024 Eldora Speedway Schedule Released – County News Online)
However, not all drivers are on board. Some express concerns about the fairness of splitting the field, as it could lead to imbalanced competition between the two nights. Additionally, the adjustment to the “Every Lap Matters™” point system, which awards points for each lap completed, has raised questions about its impact on race strategies and outcomes . (2025 Eldora Speedway schedule …, Some of the Biggest Short Track Events in the World Highlight 23 Nights of Racing for Eldora Speedway’s 2024 Season – TJSlideways.com, Dirt Late Model Dream At Eldora Speedway To Feature New Format In 2024 – FloRacing)
Fan and Team Reactions
Fans have generally welcomed the change, appreciating the more compact and action-packed schedule. The split-field format allows for more focused events, reducing downtime and enhancing the overall viewing experience. Off-track entertainment and driver interactions on non-race nights have also been highlighted as positive additions to the event . (2024 Eldora Speedway Schedule Released – County News Online
For teams, the new format presents both opportunities and challenges. While the potential for reduced costs is appealing, the uncertainty regarding the fairness of the split-field approach and the implications of the new point system require careful consideration and adaptation. (Fast Talk: Eldora Dirt Late Model Dream Notes & Predictions – FloRacing)
Looking Ahead
As Eldora Speedway continues to innovate, the 2024 Dirt Late Model Dream serves as a test case for future events. The feedback from drivers, teams, and fans will be crucial in determining whether this new format becomes a permanent fixture in the racing calendar. For now, the split-field qualifying nights have added a new layer of excitement and unpredictability to one of dirt racing’s premier events. (Some of the Biggest Short Track Events in the World Highlight 23 Nights of Racing for Eldora Speedway’s 2024 Season
