Eldora Speedway Website Hacked; Disturbing Message References ISIS
Rossburg, OH – May 28, 2025 – The official website of Eldora Speedway, one of America’s most iconic dirt track racing venues, was reportedly hacked late Monday evening. Visitors to the site were shocked to find a darkened homepage overlaid with a disturbing message claiming allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), sparking concerns and immediate responses from both local and federal authorities.
The cyberattack, which occurred just days before a major weekend of racing events, temporarily replaced the site’s usual content with a black screen, Arabic writing, and the emblem of the extremist group. Beneath the banner, a scrolling message read: “You have been warned. The flag of the Caliphate will rise over your false idols. Eldora is only the beginning.”
Law enforcement sources confirmed that the FBI’s Cyber Division, in collaboration with Homeland Security and local law enforcement, is actively investigating the breach.
What We Know So Far
According to Tony Marks, IT Director for Eldora Speedway, the breach was detected around 10:43 p.m. EST on May 26, when routine maintenance logs revealed unauthorized file modifications to the site’s root directory. “We knew something was wrong when the server spiked in activity, and moments later the main page went dark,” said Marks. “We immediately took the website offline to prevent any further damage.”
While the website was restored by midday Tuesday, digital forensics experts say the defacement bears similarities to previous ISIS-inspired cyber-vandalism campaigns, often orchestrated by individuals or groups claiming allegiance to the so-called Islamic State but lacking any formal connection to the terror organization.
“We believe this was the work of a known pro-ISIS cyber propaganda group, not necessarily operatives with direct ties to the organization,” said one federal official who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. “The goal of these actors is largely symbolic: to sow fear, gain attention, and exploit vulnerabilities in American systems — even those as seemingly innocuous as a motorsports website.”
Symbolic Target or Random Victim?
Eldora Speedway, a dirt racing track in western Ohio owned by NASCAR legend Tony Stewart, has long held a cherished place in the hearts of racing fans. Known for its high-banked turns and raucous events like the “Kings Royal” and “World 100,” Eldora attracts thousands of spectators annually. While not traditionally viewed as a high-value cyber target, analysts warn that no system is immune in the digital age.
“Cyberterrorism doesn’t need a logical target. It needs an accessible one,” said Dr. Arman Rezai, a cybersecurity professor at Carnegie Mellon University. “Hitting a beloved sports institution sends a message: ‘We can reach you anywhere.’ It’s psychological warfare.”
Rezai added that small and mid-sized organizations often lack the layered cybersecurity defenses seen in government or financial institutions, making them attractive to ideologically motivated hackers.
Community Reaction
Local residents and racing fans reacted with a mix of disbelief, anger, and concern.
“I never thought I’d see the words ‘ISIS’ and ‘Eldora’ in the same sentence,” said Jake Blevins, a lifelong fan from nearby Greenville. “It’s disturbing that people would target something so wholesome, something that brings our community together.”
Others expressed frustration over what they see as a growing trend of cyberattacks targeting non-political institutions. “First it was hospitals, then schools, now race tracks? What’s next?” asked Teresa Lopez, a teacher from Dayton who frequently attends Eldora events.
The Eldora team released an official statement on Tuesday afternoon: