ROSSBURG, Ohio— With more than $2 million up for grabs at Eldora Speedway this week, it’s not surprising that Tony Stewart drew 83 winged sprint car drivers from coast to coast in the U.S., as well as from Canada and Australia.
Rico Abreu and Brad Sweet won Wednesday’s Twin 25-lap features.
But the winner of Thursday night’s 50-lap Eldora Million feature on the half-mile clay oval will pocket $1,002,023—the biggest payout in short track racing this season.
“We’ve had two $1 million-to-win dirt late model races at Eldora, but to finally do it for the sprint car community is something that makes all of us at Eldora really proud,” Stewart said. “Sprint car drivers put on some of the best shows in all of racing, and this is our way of saying thank you.”
Even Kyle Larson, who has amassed $3 million by winning the NASCAR All-Star Race three times, called Thursday’s purse “life-changing.”
“Yeah, it’s amazing,” said Larson, who starts first in Heat 5 in the No. 57 car. “It’s honestly really cool.. it’s a lot of money. It’s way more money than any dirt racer gets to race for. It’s life-changing money, for sure. For a World of Outlaw guy, it might take him four or five years to make that much.
“It’s awesome. Tony (Stewart) and his whole staff.. FloRacing, they’re a big part of it, too. To promote a race last year with the late model million and then give the sprint car guys their chance this year, it’s pretty neat. I’m obviously happy I get to compete in it, too,” Larson added with a laugh.
On Tuesday, Larson became the first driver to win consecutive features in the Brad Doty Classic at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park. When the sprint-car caravan moved to Eldora on Wednesday, Larson was eighth fast in qualifying, second in his heat and third in the feature. He will compete in the Kings Royal on Saturday before returning to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the NASCAR Cup race on Sunday.
How does Larson like his chances to have another million-dollar payday this year following his North Wilkesboro victory?
“We’ll see,” Larson said. “It’s going to be a really tough race. I think there’s a few guys that have a great shot to win. But then it’s also a unique format that will open the door for others, too. We’ll see, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity, as well as everybody else is.”
Both Alex Bowman and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., have entries at Eldora this week. Daryn Pittman is piloting the No. 55P for Alex Bowman Racing. Second-generation racer Sheldon Haudenschild is behind the No. 17 for Stenhouse. While both Cup drivers have solid backing for their operations—Bowman carries the Ally livery, Stenhouse sports Nos Energy—a seven-figure payday could go a long way with their sprint car efforts.
“Winning that race would be huge for our race team,” Stenhouse said. “Luckily, we have one of the best partners in the sport with Lauren (Albano) and everybody at Nos Energy Drink. If we don’t win it, it’s not going to make or break or season the way our budget goes. But, man, it would be beneficial to win that.
“I know Sheldon is still looking. We won the $100,000 last year at Huset’s (Speedway, Brandon S.D.), but I know Sheldon still wants an historic win like his dad (Jac) got. I think it’s something that our guys are focused on. They’ve had it circled. Whether it be Thursday or Saturday, I’d be happy with either one.”
Follow Lee Spencer on Twitter @CandiceSpencer or email her at: [email protected].
