INDIANAPOLIS – Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart fully supports Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s decision that led to the cancelation of the famed Kings Royal at Eldora this year.

The Kings Royal will return to the famed dirt track in Rossberg, Ohio, in 2021.

Eldora Speedway and World of Outlaws officials announced on June 29 that the Kings Royal would not take place in 2020 amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is very disappointing, but I support the governor’s decision 100 percent,” Stewart told SPEED SPORT. “It’s a tough situation for everybody. I know fans are frustrated. People are frustrated not being able to get back to normal, but these governor’s offices have more data that we civilians have, and they understand the numbers and challenges.

“I was telling somebody earlier today; I wouldn’t want to be the governor of any state right now. People are losing their jobs and that is not what the governors want to happen, but we have to trust their judgement and doing what they are doing.”

As one of the greatest racers of his era and a NASCAR Hall of Famer, Stewart has also proven to be an outstanding racing team owner and promoter. During this season of tremendous uncertainty, the two-time Brickyard 400 winner and three-time NASCAR champion believes Governor DeWine made the only decision he could make as cases throughout the country are skyrocketing.

“We stand behind our governor in Ohio,” Stewart said. “We know they looked at it as optimistic as they could and do everything they could to allow us to have the event. But they had to make the right decision and look at it for the betterment of the fans.

“As much as we want to race, we have to make sure the fans are healthy and safe. It’s heartbreaking not to have it, but the governor had to make that tough decision. We respect him and stand behind that decision 100 percent. It wasn’t easy, but it was the right decision.”