Tony Stewart Secures \$18.5M Netflix Deal for Eldora Speedway Dirt Racing Film
What’s coming isn’t just a documentary—it’s a full-throttle tribute to the dirt racing empire that defined a generation.
In a groundbreaking move that merges motorsports nostalgia with modern streaming power, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart has inked an \$18.5 million deal with Netflix to bring the story of Eldora Speedway to life in a high-octane cinematic experience. Slated for a 2026 release, the project promises to be more than just a documentary—it’s being hailed as a cultural tribute to the dirt racing kingdom that has thrilled generations of fans and drivers alike.
The film, tentatively titled *Eldora: Dirt, Glory & Guts*, will spotlight the legendary Ohio racetrack Stewart purchased in 2004. Long before Netflix cameras rolled, Eldora Speedway was already hallowed ground in American motorsports. Now, with streaming giants backing the production, the untamed spirit of Eldora is poised to reach a global audience.
Unseen Footage and Legendary Rivalries
What sets this project apart is its unprecedented access to decades of rare footage, behind-the-scenes interviews, and emotional storytelling. Stewart, who has maintained close ties with drivers, teams, and longtime fans of the dirt track, is opening the vaults. Expect never-before-seen clips of iconic duels, raw in-car audio, and candid locker room moments that defined rivalries and forged legends.
“There’s a soul to Eldora that you can’t replicate,” Stewart said in a press statement. “It’s gritty. It’s emotional. It’s real racing. We’re not just telling stories—we’re reliving moments that changed people’s lives.”
The production is being helmed by Emmy-winning director Adam Marrow (*The Last Lap*), known for his visceral, driver-focused storytelling. Marrow has already spent months embedded with current racers, former champions, and Eldora staff to capture the full range of the track’s legacy.
More Than a Track—A Movement
Built in 1954 by Earl Baltes, Eldora has long been known as “The House That Dirt Built.” Stewart’s stewardship over the last two decades helped push it into the mainstream spotlight, especially with events like the Dirt Late Model Dream and the NASCAR Truck Series’ return to dirt in 2013.
“This isn’t just a story about a racetrack,” Marrow explained. “It’s about a community. It’s about the kids in the stands who dreamed of making it big. It’s about the roar of the engines shaking through your chest on a Saturday night. That’s the heart of Eldora.”
The film will also explore the evolution of dirt racing, touching on how grassroots motorsports have survived—and in many cases, thrived—amid NASCAR’s corporate-era shift. Stewart’s own career arc, from dirt track underdog to NASCAR titan and now racing executive, will form a powerful narrative backbone.
Netflix’s Latest Play in Sports Storytelling
The deal marks another strategic investment by Netflix into the growing market of sports-themed storytelling. Following the success of series like Formula 1: Drive to Survive* and *Quarterback, Netflix is betting big on motorsports once again—this time focusing on its grittier, more accessible roots.
“Tony Stewart’s vision and the legacy of Eldora Speedway present a rare chance to capture the beating heart of American racing,” said Netflix VP of Sports Content, Alana Reyes. “This isn’t polished, this is passion—and that’s what our audience craves.
Production is underway, with filming scheduled throughout the summer and fall 2025 race seasons. The crew will embed with teams during marquee events, capturing real-time drama that will give viewers the immediacy of a live race with the depth of a biographical epic.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of dirt track racing or new to the roar of a V8 slinging clay through the air, Eldora: Dirt, Glory & Guts* promises a cinematic ride you won’t forget.
Buckle up. Dirt racing is about to go global.
