No Surprise - Tony Stewart Wins in the Dirt

SRX Race at Eldora Speedway

 

Smoke (Tony Stewart) drove around Eldora Speedway like he owned the place during Thursday's SRX event at the Rossburg, Ohio dirt track. Oh wait - Stewart has owned the Big E (Eldora Speedway) since 2004.  Last night, he led all 75 laps of the main event to claim his first SRX win of the 2023 season.

 

With the win, Stewart is now a perfect two-for-two in SRX races at the track that he owns. The win was his fifth overall SRX victory and his fourth win at a dirt track. In addition to his two wins at Eldora, the three-time #NASCAR Cup Champion also has victories at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 and Knoxville Raceway. The only dirt track SRX race he hasn't won came last year at Sharon Speedway, where he finished second.

 

Stewart won both heat races to claim the pole for Thursday's race and dominated the main event before needing to hold off a hard-charging Hailie Deegan to claim the win. Deegan was in a back-up car after being involved in a six-car crash during the first heat race.

 

 

What was a bit of a surprise was the hard-charging drive delivered by second place finisher Hailie Deegan.

 

“That’s one thing people don’t realize, Hailie Deegan is a hell of a dirt track racer,” Stewart said. “If she gets to second, she’s going to put on pressure. I just had to try to get some clean laps on restarts, get in a rhythm and get going.”

 

Deegan was involved in a first heat crash when Austin Dillon, making his SRX debut, lost his radiator hose and slid straight into the outside wall.

 

“When it happened, I was immediately right behind him (Dillon),” Deegan told Frontstretch. “Nothing I could do in that situation. That’s the first time that’s happened to me, where someone’s blown up directly in front of me.”

 

Deegan finished the race in her backup car and received a huge standing ovation and tons of cheers from fans.

 

“Oh man, I don’t know what’s happened the last couple of weeks or what’s changed, but I feel a lot more confidence the last couple of months,” Deegan said with a broad smile on her face. “I feel like these last two or three races, it’s coming (together) and I’m starting to get those finishes, getting more speed and it’s all coming together.

 

“I’ve been working real hard the last couple of weeks and it’s really paying off.”

 

 

 

IT’S A SMOKE CLEAN SWEEP IN ELDORA🧹🧹🧹

Tony Stewart wins all 3 events in his backyard! Only 1 more SRX race left in 2023… pic.twitter.com/DZ1scH7NCV

— Rubbin is Racing (@rubbinisracing) August 11, 2023

SRX at Eldora Speedway Results

1. Tony Stewart
2. Hailie Deegan
3. Ryan Newman
4. Bobby Labonte
5. Matt Kenseth
6. Marco Andretti
7. Chase Briscoe
8. Ken Schrader
9. Brad Keselowski
10. Ron Capps
11. Austin Dillon (DNS)
12. Tony Kanaan (DNS)

Tony Stewart is BACK in victory lane in Thursday Night Thunder.

Hear straight from Smoke following a dominate performance at Eldora. pic.twitter.com/yKDDhBB0e6

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) August 11, 2023

.@HailieDeegan talks about her rollercoaster night that saw her come back from wrecking in the heats to earning her best career #SRX finish of second.

🎥:@AnthonyDamcott pic.twitter.com/TV0ooamuQp

— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) August 11, 2023

𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬: Eldora.#CampingWorldSRX | @EldoraSpeedway pic.twitter.com/P9JBOnXOnn

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) August 11, 2023

 

source: Floracing Media

SRX Event Includes an Autograph Session

400 Wristbands Available

 

Eldora Speedway is a half-mile dirt racing facility located in western Ohio. The ‘Big E’ is owned by three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, Tony Stewart. The Indiana native purchased Eldora from legendary promotor Earl Baltes in 2004. Baltes built Eldora in 1954 and had been the sole owner of the facility from day number one.

Excited for this one! @BassProShops | @CampingWorld | @SRXracing | @EldoraSpeedway | @espn pic.twitter.com/e7w9J7tch4

— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) August 9, 2023

Eldora plays host to some of the largest dirt racing events in the country, including the Dirt Late Model Dream, Kings Royal, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and World 100 – all of which attract over 20,000 spectators on an annual basis. 

 

The Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) is bringing ‘Thursday Night Thunder’ to Eldora Speedway tomorrow. The event includes an autograph session with some of racings legends. 

Freshly painted walls - ✅

Freshly applied @BassProShops decals - ✅ pic.twitter.com/aYchM4mKJX

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) August 9, 2023

SRX Autograph Session Details:

• The autograph session will run from 5:00pm to 5:45pm in the Fan Zone barn. A wristband will be required for entry to the autograph session.

 

Wristband Details:

• There will be 400 wristbands available and they can be picked up at the official Eldora Merchandise Store as soon as the gates open at 4:00pm. The Merchandise Store is located at the base of the Turn 3 Suites.

 

Autograph Session Layout:

• Drivers will spread out at individual tables within the building. Once in the building, fans will have the opportunity to get in any driver’s line they wish and can continue that process of picking and choosing their drivers until the 5:45pm end time. (This setup allows us to admit a higher number of fans to the autograph session as opposed to a single line)

 

Notes:

• **If any driver lines reach a point during the autograph session that fans won’t make the front of the line by the 5:45pm cutoff, officials may cap those lines. **In an effort to keep lines moving and allow fans to gather as many autographs as possible, there is a strict limit of one item per driver.

 

Driver Lineup

 

 

source: Eldora Speedway Media https://www.eldoraspeedway.com/event/2023-srx/

Johnny Benson Jr to Race in SRX at Berlin

1995 NASCAR Busch Series Champ & 2008 NASCAR Truck Series

 

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) has announced that Johnny Benson Jr. will join the field at Berlin Raceway on August 3rd in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This will be Benson’s SRX debut. Johnny Benson Jr., a Grand Rapids native, has won races across all three major NASCAR series, including 14 in the NASCAR Truck Series. Benson’s career accomplishments include winning the 1993 ASA National Tour Championship, 1995 NASCAR Busch Series Championship, and the 2008 NASCAR Truck Series Championship.

 

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to race in the SRX series. Not only to compete against some of the best drivers in the country, but to return to my home track, Berlin Raceway,” said Johnny Benson Jr.

 

“It’s not often you have the opportunity to invite a good friend and a multiple different series champion to drive in SRX at his hometown track,” said Don Hawk, SRX Chief Executive Officer. “I believe this announcement will be warmly received by all those great race fans at Berlin Raceway.”

 

SRX will air on six consecutive Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App, bringing back the iconic “ESPN Thursday Night Thunder” branding.

 

Johnny Benson Jr. in a white No. 10.

Just hits different. #CampingWorldSRX | @bergerchevy pic.twitter.com/cfJ5dERjSZ

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 31, 2023

About SRX:

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was created by Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, Investor and former NASCAR COO, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Famer and legendary driver Tony Stewart, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief and Owner Ray Evernham. Over the first two seasons of SRX, the six- race series has featured drivers from a variety of racing backgrounds with an emphasis on champion-level drivers. SRX has seen some of the sport’s biggest names compete including: Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Hailie Deegan, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Marco Andretti, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Josef Newgarden, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, and many more.

 

In 2022, the series field featured a total of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, three IndyCar Series Championships, four Daytona 500 Winners, five Indianapolis 500 Winners and four NASCAR Hall of Fame Drivers. Tony Stewart claimed the inaugural SRX Championship in 2021, and Marco Andretti claimed the 2022 Championship.

 

NEWS: @BergerChevy joins @JohnnyBensonWeb for his #CampingWorldSRX debut at @BerlinRaceway this week.

“The Berger Family, Benson, Earnhardt & I go way back. It’s great to have them join SRX with Johnny for this race at Berlin.” - SRX CEO Don Hawk. pic.twitter.com/0WcWKVzj62

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 31, 2023

 

source: SRX Media

Ryan Newman's Revenge

Captures the SRX #Win at Stafford

The 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner earned his second win in three career tries at the track in the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience series.

 

Last night, Ryan Newman once again showed why he loves the little bullring known as Stafford Speedway, earning his second win in three career tries at the track in the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series.

 

Newman won at Stafford last year, was runner-up in last week’s race there, and was king of the hill again during ESPN’s Thursday Night Thunder in the No. 39. Just like he did in his win at Stafford last year, Rocket Man took the lead with six laps to go and ultimately drove right into victory lane.

 

 

“It was tough,” Newman said of his path to victory lane Thursday night. “Those guys had a pretty good pace at the start there and my fat butt had to get out. I’m so proud of this opportunity.” 

 

“We kept easy on the brakes at the start of the race and I figure that was the difference,” Newman said. “Those guys were pretty hard, I saw their brakes and rotors glowing.” 

 

“I promised some people a little bit, and I’m going to try not to tear up, that I’d park it in victory lane, so this goes out to the Clausen family in the memory of Bryan Clauson,” Newman said. “It’s a special moment and I’m so happy to be here.” 

 

Race Results

1. Ryan Newman
2. Daniel Suarez *
3. Marco Andretti
4. Ken Schrader
5. Greg Biffle *
6. Bobby Labonte
7. Tony Stewart
8. Hailie Deegan
9. Kenny Wallace *
10. Brad Keselowski
11. Paul Tracy
12. Tony Kanaan *
13. Ryan Preece *

Note: * designates a guest driver

 

That’s another win at Stafford for the Rocketman. #CampingWorldSRX pic.twitter.com/DVDzsqEzDN

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 21, 2023

 

source: Auto Week Media

SRX - Thursday Night Thunder

Hailie Deegan and Tony Stewart are on the Front Row for Heat 1

 

Remember tonight’s ‘Thursday Night Thunder.’ This evening is the second event of the ‘Camping World SRX Series.’ Due to unprecedented flooding at the Thunder Road Speedbowl, race number two of the 2023 season returns to Stafford Speedway again.

 

Denny Hamlin won the 2023 Camping World SRX Series season-opener last week at Stafford. Hamlin, a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, is not competing full-time in SRX, and will not race on Thursday evening.

 

If you are not lucky enough to be in the stands, you can catch all the action at 9:00 pm ET on ESPN or the ESPN App.

 

Heat One Starting Line-Up

1. Hailie Deegan
2. Tony Stewart
3. Paul Tracy
4. Ryan Newman
5. Greg Biffle *
6. Ken Schrader
7. Brad Keselowski
8. Daniel Suarez *
9. Bobby Labonte
10. Marco Andretti
11. Ryan Preece *
12. Kenny Wallace *
13. Tony Kanaan *

Note: * designates a guest driver

Every single lap makes a difference. That's why we're adding more😏

This week's Stafford race will feature an altered race format compared to Race No. 1, adding more laps per race segment for even more on-track action. #CampingWorldSRX pic.twitter.com/5koDIPQvTr

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) July 20, 2023

 

source: SRX Media

Superstar Racing Experience Announces Additional 2023 Drivers

Marco Andretti, Paul Tracy and Ryan Hunter-Reay will compete full-time, with Josef Newgarden and Tony Kanaan racing part-time.

 

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) has announced a slew of world- class open wheel drivers who will compete in the 2023 SRX Series. Marco Andretti, the reigning SRX Champion, will defend his title, racing full-time this summer. He is joined by IndyCar legend and SRX veteran, Paul Tracy, and IndyCar Series and Indy 500 Champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay, who is back with SRX full-time after making his debut last summer.

 

The trio is joined by their IndyCar contemporaries, Tony Kanaan and Josef Newgarden, who will be racing part- time in 2023. Kanaan, an IndyCar series, and Indy 500 Champion himself, will race in SRX 3 times this summer (Stafford, Thunder Road and Eldora). Josef Newgarden, a current driver for Team Penske and 2-time IndyCar Series Champion, will return to SRX for his second race, joining the field at Motor Mile on July 27th.

 

Andretti, Tracy, Hunter-Reay, Newgarden and Kanaan join previously announced all-stars: Hailie Deegan, Brad Keselowski, Bobby Labonte, Ryan Newman, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Helio Castroneves, Clint Bowyer, Kenny Wallace and Tony Stewart – as 2023 SRX drivers. SRX will air on six consecutive Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App, bringing back the iconic “ESPN Thursday Night Thunder” branding.

 

2023 SRX Series Announced Drivers:

 

Stafford (7/13):

1. Denny Hamlin
2. Clint Bowyer
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Tony Kanaan
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Hailie Deegan
7. Bobby Labonte
8. Ryan Newman
9. Paul Tracy
10. Ryan Hunter-Reay
11. Marco Andretti
12. Tony Stewart

 

Thunder Road (7/20):

1. Tony Kanaan
2. Brad Keselowski
3. Hailie Deegan
4. Bobby Labonte
5. Ryan Newman
6. Paul Tracy
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay
8. Marco Andretti
9. Tony Stewart

 

Motor Mile (7/27):

1. Helio Castroneves
2. Kyle Busch
3. Clint Bowyer
4. Josef Newgarden
5. Brad Keselowski
6. Hailie Deegan
7. Bobby Labonte
8. Ryan Newman
9. Paul Tracy
10. Ryan Hunter-Reay
11. Marco Andretti
12. Tony Stewart

 

Berlin (8/3):

1. Helio Castroneves
2. Kyle Busch
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Hailie Deegan
6. Bobby Labonte
7. Ryan Newman
8. Paul Tracy
9. Ryan Hunter-Reay
10. Marco Andretti
11. Tony Stewart

 

Eldora (8/10):

1. Tony Kanaan
2. Brad Keselowski
3. Hailie Deegan
4. Bobby Labonte
5. Ryan Newman
6. Paul Tracy
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay
8. Marco Andretti
9. Tony Stewart

 

Lucas Oil (8/17):

1. Helio Castroneves
2. Clint Bowyer
3. Kenny Wallace
4. Brad Keselowski
5. Hailie Deegan
6. Bobby Labonte
7. Ryan Newman
8. Paul Tracy
9. Ryan Hunter-Reay
10. Marco Andretti
11. Tony Stewart

 

Marco Andretti Quotes:

 

Marco Andretti:

“My Thursday nights are a lot more interesting this year. Looking forward to driving against even more of my fast friends this season. SRX keeps getting bigger and better. Pumped to put on a fun show for the fans.”

 

“Can’t wait to have a shot at trying to win it again. I’m feeling more and more comfortable in the cup guy’s sandbox. A lot more talent this year to continue to learn from.”

 

SRX CEO, Don Hawk:

“We at SRX welcome back Marco and look forward to him having the bullseye on his back as he begins his quest to defend his 2022 Championship.”

 

“Marco is intense, he’s competitive and he’s going to find himself in a very strong field that’s full of drivers that just want to win each race each week.”

 

 

Paul Tracy Quotes:

 

Paul Tracy:

“I am super excited to be going into my 3rd season with SRX. To see this concept start from nothing, and be where it is today has been incredible. I’m also super excited to be back on ESPN with the revival of Thursday night thunder. It’s a win/win for the drivers and race fans.”

 

Don Hawk:

“It’s exciting for SRX to announce the return of our own Mr. Excitement. Paul has been working hard all off-season to bring a new mindset and physical conditioning to his SRX program. I believe he’s got the talent to see the podium several times in 2023 (following up his first SRX podium in 2022).”

 

 

Ryan Hunter-Reay Quotes:

 

Ryan Hunter-Reay:

“What an honor it is to be selected as one of the full-time drivers for the 2023 SRX season competing against some of the most accomplished names in motorsports. Tony Stewart, Don Hawk and the entire SRX operation have done a phenomenal job building this series to where it is today. Last season we all witnessed a huge surge in momentum for SRX and that trend has strengthened with the signing of more top drivers as well as the shift to racing on Thursday nights on ESPN.”

 

“Obviously, this discipline of racing was completely out of my wheelhouse, however, I learned a tremendous amount last season and look to apply those lessons for a strong showing this summer.”

 

Don Hawk:

“Here’s my sleeper pick as the most improved driver from 2022. I believe that Ryan will be very consistent, and sneaky competitive as he now knows the car better and how to race these guys to maximize points.”

 

“Ryan Hunter Reay has a year under his belt with SRX and has the big picture in mind for 2023. He knows how to race and how to win so watch out for this dark horse every Thursday Night on ESPN.”

 

 

Josef Newgarden Quotes:

 

Josef Newgarden:

“One of the most appealing things to me about competing in SRX is the ability to run at some of these historic short tracks where some of the legends of motorsports have competed. Last year’s race at the Nashville Fairgrounds was a perfect introduction to the series at an iconic facility that is working to make it back to big time racing. Motor Mile Speedway is another historic track that has hosted racing for decades. I’ve heard it’s a true short track with demanding racing and lots of paint swapping. It should be a great race.”

 

Don Hawk:

“Having Josef back again is something we wanted to make happen. Thank you to Roger Penske for approving this one – Josef is a blast to watch race and we are lucky to have him back behind the wheel of an SRX car.”

 

 

Tony Kanaan Quotes:

 

Tony Kanaan:

 “I’m so happy to be racing in SRX for the third season in a row. Having been with the series since the beginning, it’s so exciting to see the way the competition has grown. Let’s go!”

 

Don Hawk:  

“Having a driver the caliber of Tony returning to SRX for several races this year is something we wanted to have happen from day one of the seasons planning.” CEO Hawk

 

“With Tony announcing he’s retiring from Indy Car this year, it’s a huge plus for SRX and the fans to be part of the tour to honor a special shoe like him. We’re excited to have Tony back and we will have something special on tap to recognize his many motorsports accomplishments.”

 

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was created by Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, Investor and former NASCAR COO, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Famer and legendary driver Tony Stewart, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief and Owner Ray Evernham. Over the first two seasons of SRX, the six- race series has featured drivers from a variety of racing backgrounds with an emphasis on champion-level drivers. SRX has seen some of the sport’s biggest names compete including: Tony Stewart, Bill Elliott, Chase Elliott, Tony Kanaan, Paul Tracy, Bobby Labonte, Willy T. Ribbs, Hailie Deegan, Ryan Blaney, Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, Marco Andretti, Matt Kenseth, Michael Waltrip, Josef Newgarden, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, and many more.

 

In 2022, the series field featured a total of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, three IndyCar Series Championships, four Daytona 500 Winners, five Indianapolis 500 Winners and four NASCAR Hall of Fame Drivers. Tony Stewart claimed the inaugural SRX Championship in 2021, and Marco Andretti claimed the 2022 Championship.

 

 

Before anyone asks…

Yes, all of our tracks this year have lights. 😉 https://t.co/IdsUVXMcYq

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) February 28, 2023

 

 

 

source: SRX PR Media

Will Twitter Get Donald Hawk and Kenny Wallace Another Chapter?

Update Tweet: Looks Like this is happening!

😁. Yes! Yes I do have a free weekend @SRXracing and @HawkSMI 💯🕺 https://t.co/BKC2PXqPEf

— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) February 3, 2023

 

 

 

It appears that Kenny Wallace is now available to drive in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series. SRX's new Thursday night format allows Kenny to continue his regular racing weekend participation. 

 

 

𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨....... 𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨......📞 https://t.co/fXtA1k9enX

— Superstar Racing Experience (@SRXracing) February 2, 2023

Hey there ⁦@Kenny_Wallace⁩ so they tell me you did a thing today about ⁦@SRXracing⁩ from your vehicle at a car wash. So I watched it and did one from the side of the road. I’m intrigued, let’s chat - the race fans think that’s a good idea, me too!

Hawk pic.twitter.com/mMwWCiWYkl

— Donald Hawk (@HawkSMI) February 2, 2023

 

 

#NASCAR Race Mom can't wait to see the outcome of Hawk & Wallace's phone negotiations. 

 

source: twitter

Denny Hamlin To Race In SRX Opener At Stafford

3-Time Daytona 500 Champion, Denny Hamlin, will race in 2023 SRX Season Opener at Stafford Motor Speedway

 

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) has announced that Denny Hamlin will race in the first race of the 2023 SRX Season. Hamlin, a 3-time Daytona 500 Champion and current driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owner of 23XI Racing, will make his SRX debut, joining the field on July 13th at Stafford Motor Speedway, in Stafford Springs (CT).

 

ICYMI: @dennyhamlin to Race in @SRXracing Opener at @StaffordSpeedwy. https://t.co/wt5p5bYq1Q

— Racing America (@RacingAmerica) February 2, 2023

“I am absolutely fired up to join the SRX season opener at Stafford Motor Speedway,” said Hamlin. “That track has so much history, to finally get to race there will be a bucket list item for me. It’s been fun watching SRX grow over the past two years, and it’s an honor they asked me to join them.”

 

Don Hawk, Chief Executive Officer of SRX said: “When I reached out to Denny, and he responded in such a positive manner, it helped me validate why ESPN and the return of Thursday Night Thunder was such a great move for SRX. The model allows us to secure his caliber of talent – and he can flat out drive. We’re thrilled to have him and love his enthusiasm to be a part of the field.”

 

SRX will air on six consecutive Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and the ESPN App, bringing back the iconic “ESPN Thursday Night Thunder” branding.

 

The 2023 SRX Schedule

Date		Track
07/13/23		Stafford Motor Speedway
07/20/23		Thunder Road Speedbowl
07/27/23		Motor Mile Speedway
08/03/23		Berlin Raceway
08/10/23		Eldora Speedway
08/17/23		Lucas Oil Speedway

About SRX:

Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) was created by Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, Investor and former NASCAR COO, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Famer and legendary driver Tony Stewart, and NASCAR Hall of Fame Crew Chief and Owner Ray Evernham. 

 

Over the first two seasons of SRX, the six-race series has featured drivers from a variety of racing backgrounds with an emphasis on champion-level drivers. SRX has seen some of the sport’s biggest names compete including: 

• Tony Stewart
• Bill Elliott
• Chase Elliott
• Tony Kanaan
• Paul Tracy
• Bobby Labonte
• Willy T. Ribbs
• Hailie Deegan
• Ryan Blaney
• Ryan Newman
• Greg Biffle
• Marco Andretti
• Matt Kenseth
• Michael Waltrip
• Josef Newgarden
• Ryan Hunter-Reay
• Helio Castroneves

and many more.

 

In 2022, the series field featured a total of five NASCAR Cup Series Championships, three IndyCar Series Championships, four Daytona 500 Winners, five Indianapolis 500 Winners and four NASCAR Hall of Fame Drivers. Tony Stewart claimed the inaugural SRX Championship in 2021, and Marco Andretti claimed the 2022 Championship.

 

 

source: NASCAR Media