Tony Stewart is quietly grabbing the IndyCar bronze as the racing community supports the surprise payment
One door closes, another door opens. Tony Stewart set up a second goal that resulted in a golden opportunity. Since the United States Automobile Club (USAC) series was hit by the disaster in May, many problems have arisen.
But when Eldora Speedway crumbled under the guidance of trusted owners, Stewart decided to attract an IndyCar owner. That person goes back to his roots. After all, what could be better than having a seven-time USAC champion as the dominant force on the best dirt track in the world? Fans also showed their support for the decision, even though it was done without much fuss.
In May, Eldora general manager Jerry Gapens Jr. and left a legacy and heavy hearts. However, dirt track owners have less than two weeks to prepare for the Dirt Late Model Dream. Jonathan Bateman, the interim manager, made matters simple. In the meantime, Eldora Raceway owner Tony Stewart is working hard to call for Gapens’ success. More than three months after Gapens’ accident, Stewart announced his choice.
Levi Jones was hired as manager of Indy NXT by Firestone, a major division of the NTT IndyCar Series. After three years in the open wheel series, Tony Stewart called him back to his dirt racing roots. Eldora Eldora Speedway released the news on X, as they wrote, “Levi Jones has been hired as the new General Manager of Eldora Speedway! The championship-winning USAC driver and motorsports industry veteran was just introduced on the stage during tonight’s World 100 pre-race show.”
Besides working at IndyCar’s top level, Levi Jones had also worked at USAC’s national series. He won 35 USAC feature races, including Sprint Car, Midget, and Silver Crown, besides clinching seven championships.
All but the 2005 championship came under Tony Stewart Racing. So, Stewart could not emphasize Jones’ worth more: “In his role as general manager, he combines a racer’s perspective with excellent managerial and promotional experience, which he has earned at USAC and IndyCar. Our fans and competitors should know that Eldora is in very good hands, just as it had been before.”
And fans do agree with Tony Stewart’s decision, as they salute Eldora’s new brass.
The motorcycle community welcomes the new owner.
Tony Stewart is an icon from many racing series. 49 wins and three NASCAR Cup Series championships, 1996-97 championship and three IndyCar championships, and two-time USAC champion.
Thus, motorcyclists all agreed to his leadership demands as they rallied to support his decision. Also, it’s great to have him as a fan. Another fan tipped his hat to Stewart and Jones and wished them well. “I think Levy is a valuable person and he does a great job!! Good luck!!”
Another fan tipped his hat to Stewart and Jones and wished them well. “I think Levy is a valuable person and he does a great job!! Good luck!!” In fact, Levi’s story speaks for itself. Before joining IndyCar in October 2021, Jones had a dynamic seven-year career with USAC. From 2015 to 2019 he started his career as the manager of national series competitions, then from 2019 to 2021 he became the general manager. Another one came by to say thank you. Eldora Speedway was carved out of a cornfield in 1954 and is sacred to fans.
The half-mile circuit is a human racing paradise, so fans will want to but it’s best to take care. So when a fan saw Levi Jones’ new work he wondered, “Does that mean the music is better organized?” Others brought up the cost issue and demanded that sprint races on the biggest dirt track be paid more. “Good news. It puts a six-figure payday for USAC cruises in the Big E on my favorite list.
With all of these positive reviews, Tony Stewart and his new track manager are doing an amazing job at Eldora Speedway. Let’s see how they do at the 4-Crown Nationals on 20-21. September.
