Prelude to the Dream

Prelude to the Dream

Venue	Eldora Speedway
Location	Rossburg, Ohio 40°19′6.43″N 84°38′1.79″W / 40.3184528°N 84.6338306°W / 40.3184528; -84.6338306
Corporate sponsor	Nextel (2006–2007) Old Spice (2007–2008) Gillette (2009–2010)
First race	2005
Last race	2012
Laps	40 (2012)
Most wins (driver)	Tony Stewart (3)
Most wins (manufacturer)	Chevrolet (6)
Circuit information
Surface	Clay
Length	0.5 mi (0.80 km)

The Prelude to the Dream (also known as Prelude to the World in 2006 and 2009) was a dirt late model race held at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio from 2005 to 2012. The race's title was a reference to the fact it was held on the Wednesday before the Dirt-late model dream (or World 100 in 2006 and 2009) that was later held that weekend at Eldora Speedway. The race was a pay-per-view event on HBO, and frequently attracted drivers from various disciplines such as NASCAR, IndyCar Series, NHRA, and World of Outlaws.

The Prelude was a charity race, with the 2012 race benefiting Feed the Children, in which money gained from the broadcast was donated to the foundation. Feed the Children also sent food trucks to the hometowns of the top ten finishers in the race.^[1] The race has also benefited other charities, such as Victory Junction Gang Camp,^[2] which was aided by the Prelude from 2005 to 2008. In 2009, military organizations Fisher House Foundation, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Homefront and the Wounded Warrior Project were funded by the race. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Levine Children's Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Children's Medical Center Dallas and the St. Louis Children's Hospital were the groups benefited from the Prelude.^[3] From 2005 to 2011, the Prelude donated a total of $3.5 million to charities.^[1]

The race starting grid was determined by 4 heat races of 10 laps each.^[4]