It was originally managed by a group of racing enthusiasts under the banner of the Columbus Karting Club. The track began as a quarter-mile horse track, known for its impressive speeds—and, unfortunately, sometimes violent accidents. In the 1980s, a smaller 1/5-mile track was built, incorporating turns one and two of the original layout. At its peak, the Columbus Karting Club was recognized as the oldest operating kart club in the United States. In 2021, the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds honored racing legend Tony Stewart by dedicating the track in his name. Stewart, a Columbus native, began his racing career there, winning his first championship at just eight years old. He would go on to become a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and a 2020 inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. During the dedication ceremony, Stewart reflected on his roots:
“This is a proud moment for me, being from here, and I don’t think there’s anybody in the world who can say I forgot where I came from. Today’s proof of that,” Stewart said. “It’s where I’m always going to be, and it’s where my heart is.”
In 2024, Premier Motorsports Group signed a three-year lease to manage and promote the newly named Tony Stewart Speedway. They plan to enhance the facility by constructing a new race track, continuing the legacy of grassroots racing in Bartholomew County.
