Rain Halts World 100 Action at Eldora as Iowa Dirt Racing Fans Await $100K Finale
Rain has put a temporary stop to the 2026 World 100 at Eldora Speedway, delaying Thursday night's preliminary action at one of dirt racing's most prestigious events. The pause comes as fans, including many traveling from Iowa, wait for track crews to prepare the historic Ohio facility for racing to resume.
While the rain has stalled the on-track action, the show went on in the Fan Zone, with SAW CRUSH performing for fans during what became a rain-delay concert. Officials report progress in getting the track back into racing shape, and the wait may soon be over.
How to Watch the 2026 World 100 at Eldora Speedway
Fans who can't make the trip to Rossburg, Ohio, can catch all the action live on FloRacing. The streaming service offers full coverage of the World 100, including highlights, replays, and breaking news throughout the dirt racing season.
2026 World 100 Weekend Purse Breakdown
The World 100 weekend features a lucrative purse that rewards drivers across the board. Thursday and Friday preliminary features pay $12,000 to win, with payouts stretching down to $1,000 for positions 16 through 26.
Saturday's main event is the crown jewel, with the winner taking home a hefty $100,000 payday. The purse drops to $30,000 for second, $20,000 for third, and continues down to $5,600 for positions 21 through 28.
Saturday's Feature Event Payout
- 1st: $100,000
- 2nd: $30,000
- 3rd: $20,000
- 4th: $15,000
- 5th: $12,500
- 6th: $10,000
- 7th: $9,000
- 8th: $8,500
- 9th: $8,000
- 10th: $7,500
Who Won Last Year's World 100?
Ricky Thornton Jr. of Chandler, Arizona, took home the 2025 World 100 title, marking his first career victory at Eldora and his first crown jewel win. The win was worth $72,000.
Iowa Drivers Have Deep Roots in World 100 History
For Iowa racing fans, the World 100 holds special significance. The state has produced several champions over the event's storied history, including:
- Brian Birkhofer (Muscatine) won back-to-back titles in 2002 and 2012
- Ken Walton (Viola) took the crown in 1978
- Joe Merryfield (Des Moines) claimed victory in 1975
- Ed Sanger (Waterloo) won in 1974
- Verlin Eaker (Cedar Rapids) topped the field in 1972
These Iowa champions highlight the state's proud tradition in dirt track racing and the importance of events like the World 100 to the region's motorsports culture.
2026 World 100 Notes and Storylines
Several top contenders are looking to make their mark this weekend at Eldora:
- Bobby Pierce has 14 career Eldora specials dating back to 2014, including June's Dirt Late Model Dream XXXII, and has collected more than $500,000 in that span.
- Jonathan Davenport owns 11 career Eldora crown jewel victories, including five World 100 globe trophies (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022).
- Ricky Thornton Jr. aims to defend his 2025 title after winning last year's $72,000 finale.
- Nick Hoffman won June's $20,000 FloRacing Night in America Series warmup prior to Dream XXXII action.
- Hudson O'Neal has eight major wins at Eldora since 2019, including the 2023 World 100, worth more than $130,000 combined.
FloRacing: The Streaming Home for Dirt Racing
FloRacing serves as the streaming home for many of racing's top events throughout the year. Subscribers can enjoy year-round coverage of premier dirt racing action, and video footage from the World 100 will be archived for on-demand viewing throughout the subscription period.
As track officials continue working to beat the weather, fans remain hopeful that the 2026 World 100 will deliver the high-octane action this legendary event is known for. Stay tuned to FloRacing for updates and live coverage as the weekend progresses.