In a groundbreaking initiative that highlights the power of sports figures giving back to the community, NASCAR legend Tony Stewart and renowned dirt track racer Scott Bloomquist have jointly invested $10.8 million to transform an existing property into a state-of-the-art shelter dedicated to homeless youth
The facility, set to be constructed on a repurposed property just outside of Knoxville, Tennessee, will serve as a haven for displaced and at-risk young people aged 12–21. The project, titled Second Gear Youth Center, will offer not only emergency shelter but also education programs, job training, mental health support, and long-term housing solutions.
Speaking at the press conference, Stewart said the idea was born out of years of reflection and the realization that **success on the track meant little if not used to uplift others
We’ve both been blessed with incredible careers,” Stewart said. “But there’s nothing more important than making sure the next generation has a fighting chance. These kids are facing the worst moments of their lives — we want to give them hope, structure, and dignity
Bloomquist, a polarizing yet passionate figure in the dirt racing world, echoed those sentiments, saying this project is the most personal of his career.
“This goes way beyond racing. This is about saving lives,” Bloomquist said. “The track has always given us purpose. Now we’re building something that gives these kids a chance to find theirs.”
The 30,000-square-foot facility will include dorm-style housing, on-site classrooms, counseling spaces, and a recreational center. Partnerships have already been established with local schools, workforce agencies, and nonprofits to ensure a wraparound approach to care.
Community leaders, social workers, and youth advocates have praised the effort, calling it one of the most ambitious private investments in youth homelessness ever seen in the region.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with doors projected to open by the end of 2026.
In a sport known for speed and competition, Stewart and Bloomquist are slowing down just long enough to make a lasting impact — not on a track, but in the lives of those who need it most.
