Dirt Track Revival: Late Model Racing Community Unites for All-Time Legends Invitational

In a celebration of speed, grit, and motorsport heritage, the dirt late model racing world is preparing for what is being called the “All-Time Legends Invitational” — a historic event honoring the greatest dirt model drivers from the 1960s to the early 2000s. Set to take place later this year at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, the race is being billed as the most ambitious homage ever organized to honor the pioneers and legends of the sport.

The event, spearheaded by a coalition of racing historians, veteran promoters, and current racing stars, aims to bring together surviving dirt racing legends, their families, and fanbases for one unforgettable weekend. Some of the sport’s most beloved names, from Larry Moore and Billy Moyer to Jeff Purvis and Freddy Smith, will be recognized. Others, who have since passed away, will be memorialized through tribute laps, classic car displays, and video packages showcasing their greatest moments.

Honoring the Icons of Dirt

The idea for the All-Time Legends Invitational was born from a desire to reconnect the modern dirt late model community with its roots. Organizers have long felt that the fast-paced growth of the modern racing scene often leaves behind the stories of the men who helped shape it. With multi-million-dollar teams now dominating the headlines, fans and insiders alike have voiced growing appreciation for the rougher, rawer eras of dirt racing.

“In the ’60s, ’70s, and even into the ’90s, these guys raced with nothing but heart, duct tape, and a dream,” said Dave Hammond, a racing historian and one of the event’s founders. “We want to give them their flowers while we still can.”

A Weekend of Nostalgia and Racing

The multi-day event will feature several attractions, including:

Vintage Late Model Showcase:

Classic cars driven by some of the era’s greatest drivers will be on display, some even returning to the track for exhibition runs.

Legends Panel Discussions: Surviving drivers and team members will speak about their careers, rivalries, and the evolution of the sport.

Main Event Tribute Race: A 40-lap feature event will see modern dirt late model stars race in honor of past greats, with each car wrapped in throwback liveries inspired by legendary designs.

Memorial Tributes: Special tributes will honor fallen heroes such as Charlie Swartz, Mike Duvall, and Jack Boggs, with commemorative banners and videos telling their stories.

Meet & Greets: Fans will get the rare opportunity to meet racing legends, collect autographs, and hear firsthand accounts of iconic dirt track battles.

Bridging Generations

While many of the sport’s earliest stars are now retired or deceased, their influence remains alive in every corner of dirt late model racing. Younger drivers like Jonathan Davenport and Bobby Pierce have openly expressed admiration for the trailblazers who came before them.

“This sport is built on the backs of guys who raced for \$300 paydays and slept in their trailers,” Pierce said. “I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Community-Driven Effort

Support for the event has been overwhelming. Several racing organizations, including the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, have pledged logistical support and promotional assistance. Sponsors like Hoosier Racing Tire and Summit Racing Equipment are also contributing to prize packages and fan experiences.

Proceeds from the weekend will benefit the “Dirt Racing Legends Foundation,” a newly formed nonprofit that provides financial support to retired drivers and their families in need.

A Historic Moment in Motorsports

The All-Time Legends Invitational stands as more than just a race; it is a reminder of where dirt late model racing came from and the souls who carried it forward. As the green flag drops in Eldora later this fall, the echoes of roaring engines and wild finishes from decades past will surely be felt in the air.

This event not only honors history—it ensures it lives on for generations of race fans to come.