Tony stewart gives response to fans asking to Bring Back $3.5M-Grossing Charitable American Crown After NASCAR Exit

 

For racing fans, *Prelude to the Dream* holds a special place in their hearts. This charity event at Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway, which featured NASCAR drivers and dirt track legends competing on a dirt oval, became an iconic spectacle. Fans fondly remember the unique blend of star power and philanthropy. As the event has been on hiatus, the question remains: Can Tony Stewart revive this once-popular race?

When it first launched, *Prelude to the Dream* was a standout event, not just for the competitive racing but for its charitable focus, raising money for children’s hospitals. One fan perfectly captured the sentiment: “Talk about nostalgia. I wish someone would bring this back. It was awesome to watch and raised a lot of money for charities.” The event had a relaxed, fun atmosphere, where fans saw their favorite NASCAR drivers take on the challenge of dirt racing, a departure from their typical oval racing experience.

With Stewart now having fewer commitments—having shifted his focus from team ownership at Stewart-Haas Racing to NHRA racing—he may be in the perfect

position to bring back the event. Eldora Speedway has a rich history of hosting significant races, such as the *Eldora Million* and the *Eldora Dirt Derby*, which brought NASCAR’s Craftsman Truck Series to the track from 2013 to 2019. Despite its storied past, Eldora has been quieter in recent years, with fans eager for something big to return.

One potential ally in this revival effort could be Dale Earnhardt Jr., a close friend of Stewart and a fellow racing legend. In 2023, Earnhardt and Kevin Harvick purchased the CARS Tour, a short track racing series, demonstrating Earnhardt’s passion for grassroots racing. Fans have suggested that his involvement could help give the event the financial and organizational boost it needs. As one fan pointed out, “If we can’t get this back, maybe Jr. can get a big crew to start running a CARS Tour match race.” Earnhardt’s influence and resources could be key to relaunching *Prelude to the Dream* at Eldora.

However, it’s not just about logistics. The event’s format has been a point of contention for some fans. Initially, the race featured individual drivers, but in later years, a team-based format was introduced, with each team representing a children’s hospital. This change didn’t sit well with all fans, with some feeling the race lost its charm. Finding a balance between competition and charity will be essential if Stewart decides to bring the event back.

Ultimately, the *Prelude to the Dream* could make a successful return if the right people—like Stewart and Earnhardt—join forces and the fans’ enthusiasm is channeled into the right format. If so, this charity event could once again become a major fixture in the racing calendar.