Zach Yost

Eldora Speedway's World 100 winner this season will pocket a six-figure payday for the first time as the Tony Stewart-owned track revealed purse increases for its most lucrative events.

“Because of the incredible loyalty of our fans and the unwavering commitment of Tony Stewart, we’re proud to announce that competitors at Eldora Speedway will race for even more money in 2026 — while ticket prices remain the same,” general manager Levi Jones said in today’s announcement. “More reward for the teams. The same value for our fans.”

Eldora’s 2026 total purses exceed $3 million for the first time with a 3.8 percent increase for Dirt Late Model racing’s Dream and an 11.2 percent increase for the World 100, Dirt Late Model racing most prestigious event.

The World 100’s purse exceed’s the Dream’s for the first time with $680,200 in payouts over three days including $100,000-to-win, at least $5,600 to each starter and increased payouts to drivers who don’t make the 100-lap starting field, including $3,000 to other the first non-transfer (up from $2,000). Last season's World 100 paid $72,000 to winner Ricky Thornton Jr.

The tradition of raising the winner’s share of the World 100 by at least $1,000 each year will continue at the legendary half-mile track in Rossburg, Ohio.

The Dream’s feature purse tentatively remains steady at $100,000-to-win and $6,000-to-start but every heat race and consolation non-transfer position earns more, including $2,500 to the first non-transfer position in consies. The three-day Dream total purse is $644,440.

Complete purse details will be announced when entry forms are posted. Tickets for Eldora's 2026 events are available eldoraspeedway.com/tickets.