Tony Stewart Responds to Criticism Over NASCAR and Eldora Speedway 2025: I’m Fine Being Done, I’m Going Back to Take Care of My Eldora Speedway

Tony Stewart Responds to Criticism Over NASCAR and Eldora Speedway 2025: I’m Fine Being Done, I’m Going Back to Take Care of My Eldora Speedway

Tony Stewart, a name that resonates with racing enthusiasts across the globe, is no stranger to both admiration and criticism. A multi-faceted legend in the world of motorsports, Stewart’s career spans decades and includes championships in NASCAR, IndyCar, and even World of Outlaws. But despite his remarkable success, Stewart has often found himself at the center of controversy, particularly as he shifted his focus towards managing his Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. In 2025, Stewart found himself responding publicly to the mounting criticism he faced in the aftermath of his NASCAR and Eldora Speedway-related decisions.

The latest wave of criticism started in 2024 and continued well into 2025, mainly from keyboard warriors hiding behind the anonymity of social media. This online backlash seemed to be particularly harsh, with some fans and pundits questioning Stewart’s priorities, his leadership at Eldora, and his commitment to the NASCAR series. The criticism painted him as a figure who had lost touch with the fans and was more focused on his business than the sport that made him famous. However, in a recent interview, Stewart responded with a defiant attitude, stating that he was unbothered by the negativity and that his decision to focus on Eldora was not only personal but part of his long-term vision for the future of motorsports.

“I’m fine being done,” Stewart said, referring to his time in NASCAR and other major racing circuits. “I’m going back to take care of my Eldora Speedway. I got a lot of bashing online, a lot of bashing on social media since 2024, and it was very unjust through the process. It’s easy to sit on your ass, on your couch in your mom’s house, and tell us how we’re doing it wrong. But nobody can seem to sit there and come in on Monday morning and tell us how to do it right.”

The Rise of Tony Stewart: From Driver to Promoter

Tony Stewart’s journey to racing greatness started long before his rise in NASCAR. Born in Indiana in 1971, Stewart began his racing career in go-karts before making his way up through the ranks of open-wheel racing. His talent quickly became evident, and by the late ’90s, he had already earned a name for himself in the Indy Lights championship. His move to NASCAR in 1999 marked the beginning of a legendary career in stock car racing.

Stewart’s NASCAR career was nothing short of spectacular. He won three Cup Series championships (2002, 2005, and 2011), earning the nickname “Smoke” for his aggressive driving style and fiery personality. As one of the most well-rounded drivers in motorsports, Stewart had success across different racing disciplines, making him a household name in the racing community.

However, after years of battling on the track and experiencing the highs and lows that come with the sport, Stewart decided to transition away from full-time racing in 2016. His decision to retire from NASCAR as a driver allowed him to focus on other ventures, notably his role as an owner and promoter of Eldora Speedway.

Eldora Speedway: A Dream Come True

Eldora Speedway, a historic dirt track in Ohio, has always been a passion project for Stewart. The track has a special place in his heart, not only because of his love for dirt racing but also because of its deep connection to the roots of American motorsports. Eldora has hosted some of the biggest dirt racing events in the country, and Stewart’s commitment to its legacy has only grown stronger in recent years.

In 2013, Stewart purchased Eldora Speedway from previous owner Earl Baltes. The acquisition was a momentous occasion for Stewart, who had always admired the track for its challenging layout and the competitive racing it produced. Under his stewardship, Eldora became the venue for the prestigious World 100 and the Dream, two of the most coveted races in dirt late model racing.

One of Stewart’s most significant achievements as a promoter of Eldora was his ability to bridge the gap between NASCAR and dirt racing. In 2013, Eldora hosted the first-ever NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on dirt, an event that was met with widespread acclaim. The race, known as the “Mudsummer Classic,” was a groundbreaking moment in motorsports history, showcasing Stewart’s ability to blend his love for both NASCAR and dirt racing into a successful event.

The Backlash: Criticism of Stewart’s Shift in Focus

As Stewart began to focus more on his role at Eldora Speedway, some fans and critics began to question his commitment to the sport of NASCAR. Many were disappointed by his reduced presence in NASCAR, and some felt that he was abandoning his roots in favor of focusing on his business ventures.

The criticism intensified after Stewart announced in 2024 that he would be stepping back even further from the NASCAR world to focus on the operations of Eldora. His decision to prioritize the track raised eyebrows, particularly given his established legacy within NASCAR. Critics on social media expressed frustration over what they perceived as Stewart’s lack of dedication to the sport that had made him a legend. Some went as far as to suggest that Stewart was no longer interested in the NASCAR community, opting instead to bask in the success of his other business ventures.

However, Stewart was quick to respond, not with defensiveness, but with a sense of determination. He acknowledged the criticism but also made it clear that he had made peace with his decision to move on from NASCAR. His response highlighted the disconnect between fans who only saw the surface of his career and the reality of what it meant to operate a major motorsports venue like Eldora.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into NASCAR for a long time,” Stewart said. “I’ve won three championships, I’ve raced against the best, and I’ve accomplished more than most people could dream of. But my passion now lies in helping grow Eldora Speedway and dirt racing. If that’s not good enough for some people, I’m okay with that.”

The Role of Social Media in Modern Criticism

Social media has become a double-edged sword for celebrities, athletes, and public figures like Stewart. While it provides a platform for fans to connect and express their admiration, it also gives rise to negativity, trolling, and a sense of entitlement among critics. For Stewart, the barrage of online insults and harsh criticism has been part of the territory of being a public figure, but it’s clear that the toll it’s taken on him is not something he takes lightly.

In his response, Stewart did not mince words. His comments about people who “sit on their ass, on your couch in your mom’s house” speak to a growing frustration with the unrealistic expectations that social media culture fosters. For Stewart, the criticism is not rooted in genuine concern for the sport or his career but rather in a society that often fails to acknowledge the complexities of running a racing business or promoting events.

“People who bash us from behind their screens don’t understand what it takes to run a race team or manage a track,” Stewart said. “They don’t understand the struggles that go into making a race successful or the challenges that come with running an organization. If they did, maybe they’d have a little more respect for what we do.”

The Future of Eldora Speedway and Tony Stewart’s Legacy

Looking ahead, Stewart seems resolute in his commitment to Eldora Speedway. With plans to continue improving the track and expanding its reach in the world of dirt racing, Stewart is focused on building the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts. His passion for the sport remains unwavering, but his vision has evolved to encompass a broader scope beyond just NASCAR or any single racing series.

“I’ve done it all in NASCAR,” Stewart said. “But now I’m focused on the next chapter. I want to ensure that Eldora continues to thrive and that we grow the sport of dirt racing. I want to be known as a promoter who helped take this sport to new heights. And I’m okay if that means stepping back from other areas.”

In terms of legacy, Stewart’s contributions to the motorsport world are undeniable. Whether it’s his aggressive driving style, his championships in NASCAR, or his ability to reinvent himself as a promoter at Eldora, Stewart has carved out a place for himself that transcends any one discipline of racing. His willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and make bold decisions in the face of criticism is a testament to his resilience and determination.

While the social media critics may continue to voice their displeasure, Stewart has made it clear that he is not interested in appeasing them. His focus is now on ensuring the future success of Eldora Speedway and the growth of dirt racing as a whole. As he enters the next phase of his career, it is evident that Stewart’s impact on the world of motorsports will remain significant, regardless of the opinions of his detractors.

In the end, Tony Stewart’s response to the criticism speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to his vision. He may no longer be the NASCAR champion he once was, but he is still a force to be reckoned with in the world of racing, and his legacy is far from finished.