Before NASCAR and Bristol Motor Speedway made the decision to go dirt racing, there was another annual tradition that put the sport’s biggest stars on a dirt track. For eight years, The Prelude to the Dream featured the biggest names in NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA and the World of Outlaws competing in a charity race at Eldora Speedway.
Beginning in 2005, The Prelude placed drivers in Dirt Late Models for a made-for-television grassroots race. As the name indicates, the race served as a prelude to the prestigious Dirt Late Model Dream also held at Eldora.
Kenny Wallace won the inaugural Prelude in 2005 before current Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart scored the first of his three victories in 2006. Other winners of the race included Carl Edwards (2007), Jimmie Johnson (2010), Clint Bowyer (2011) and Kyle Busch (2012).
The race featured appearances from NHRA champion Ron Capps, IndyCar champion Tony Kanaan, World of Outlaws legends Donny Schatz, Steve Kinser and Danny Lesoski, as well as X Games gold medalists Travis Pastrana and Ricky Carmichael.
During its eight-year history, the race raised over $3.5 million for various charitable organizations.
As Eldora Speedway prepared for the inaugural Mudsummer Classic for the NASCAR Truck Series in 2013, the track announced The Prelude would not be held that year. It has not been held since.
Although The Prelude may no longer be on the schedule, another huge event is approaching at Eldora Speedway. The prestigious World 100 for Dirt Late Models will be held September 8-11.
And what’s better than two World 100s? How about two World 100s?
After COVID restrictions forced last year’s race to be canceled, the top Late Model drivers in the country will have two chances to win the most prestigious race of the year.
Like The Prelude, this year’s World 100s will feature a NASCAR presence with current Cup Series points leader Kyle Larson chasing a pair of big victories.
Race fans can watch the World 100s at Eldora Speedway September 8-11, exclusively on FloRacing.
