Tony Stewart on why he made his decision on Levi Jones, the new general manager of Eldora Speedway,

Tony Stewart has tapped a trusted name in the racing world to lead one of America’s most iconic dirt tracks. Eldora Speedway, located just north of Rossburg, Ohio, has announced the appointment of Levi Jones as its new general manager. The USAC Hall of Famer, who brings a wealth of racing experience and managerial expertise, will take over the role previously held by Jerry Gappens, who tragically passed away in May.

Jones, 42, is no stranger to Eldora Speedway. He has long been familiar with the track both as a competitor and a fan, and his association with Tony Stewart stretches back years. As a driver for Stewart’s racing team, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR), Jones earned six national USAC driving championships, including four in the sprint car division (2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011) and two Silver Crown titles (2010 and 2011). His success at the national level solidified his reputation as one of the top dirt track racers of his generation.

A Racing Legacy at Eldora

In his new position at Eldora, Jones will oversee the track’s operations and continue its legacy as one of the country’s premier dirt racing venues. Eldora, which is entering its 71st consecutive season of racing in 2024, has become synonymous with elite dirt track racing, attracting competitors and fans from across the nation. Jones is keenly aware of the historical significance of the speedway, noting that winning at Eldora is a true accomplishment—“a track where everyone wants to win because you really have to earn it.”

For Jones, stepping into the general manager role is both a huge opportunity and a challenge, especially after the loss of Gappens, who was widely regarded as a steady and passionate leader at Eldora. However, Jones brings a strong racer-first mentality and a commitment to maintaining the track’s reputation for excellence.

“Being general manager of Eldora Speedway is a huge opportunity and I’m grateful for it,” Jones said. “I know I have big shoes to fill from all that Jerry Gappens and his predecessors accomplished, but I’m ready for this moment. I know Eldora’s history and what it means to fans and everyone who comes through its pit gate, whether they’re a driver or a crew member.”

A Proven Track Record in Racing and Management

Jones brings more than just driving experience to the position; his career has evolved into a respected leadership role in motorsport management. Currently serving as the director of the Indy NXT Series for Penske Entertainment, Jones has honed his skills in race series oversight and event promotion. His background also includes a stint as the national series competition director for the United States Auto Club (USAC) from 2015 to 2019, followed by his role as executive vice president of the organization until 2021.

These managerial experiences have prepared Jones to handle the complex logistics and challenges that come with running a major racing venue like Eldora. Stewart, a legendary driver in his own right, believes Jones is the perfect person to continue the track’s legacy while guiding it into the future.

“We’re excited and grateful to have Levi Jones as our general manager,” Stewart said. “Levi has always held Eldora in high regard, both as a racer and as an executive. Now in his role as general manager, he combines a racer’s perspective with excellent managerial and promotional experience earned in USAC and IndyCar. Our fans and competitors should know that Eldora is in very good hands.”

### Honoring Eldora’s Legacy

Eldora Speedway’s history is rich with legendary moments, thanks to its founders Earl and Berneice Baltes. The Baltes family’s vision for the track, paired with Stewart’s own passion for dirt racing, has made Eldora a destination for racing fans. Jones acknowledges this and is committed to carrying on their vision of continuous improvement and innovation.

“Eldora is the track where everyone wants to win,” Jones said. “There’s a lot of pride that comes with just competing at Eldora, and credit goes to track founders Earl and Berneice Baltes. They made Eldora a destination with constant improvement and innovation. Tony Stewart has done an incredible job of continuing all that Earl and Berneice created, and I’m honored to help carry on their vision.”

Jones’ legacy as a driver and his experience at the top levels of racing make him a natural fit to lead Eldora Speedway into its next chapter. As the track prepares for the 2024 season, fans can look forward to seeing how Jones will continue the tradition of excellence at one of the most storied venues in dirt track racing.