In a historic day for auto racing on Monday. NASCAR Hall of Famer and NBC broadcaster Dale Earnhardt Jr., Stewart-Haas Racing driver and 2014 NASCAR champion Kevin Harvick, NASCAR on NBC broadcaster Jeff Burton, and Trackhouse Racing Co-owner Justin Marks are teaming up to acquire the CARS Tour series.
The CARS Solid Rock Carriers Tour was founded in 2014 by Jack McNelly. It is the Southeast’s premier asphalt late model series. It was built out of the remnants of the former Pro Cup Series. This will be the ninth season of the series.
“Owning and developing the CARS Tour has been an honor and one I’m immensely proud of,” said McNelly. “Fortunately, it’s in the best of hands with this new group. They have the passion and talent to take the Tour to the next level. I can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings for everyone involved.
“I give my heartfelt thanks to all that have contributed to the success of the series over the years. It has truly been a team effort. The CARS Tour staff, officials, competitors, sponsors, and fans have made this series one of the best in the country.”
The series features super late models and late-model stock cars. It is the first of its kind to host two premier divisions under the same banner, racing at the same track, and as part of the same event. The CARS Tour runs its races in the Carolinas and Virginia.
“This is a dream come true for me,” said Earnhardt Jr. “I’m a huge fan of the CARS Tour and local short-track racing. The competition, the tracks, and the drivers are some of the best around. These regional series are vital to the quality of racing you see at the top level. Jack (McNelly, CARS Tour founder) has done a tremendous job establishing the CARS Tour as a preeminent series, and I’m thrilled to be part of its future.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently raced in the CARS Tour at North Wilkesboro Speedway last year in the No. 3 Sun Drop Chevrolet late model.
The CARS Tour gets a lot of credit in the stock car world for developing current and future drivers. Among those that have competed in the series are Chase Elliott, William Byron, Harrison Burton, Ty Gibbs, Sam Mayer, Myatt Snider, Josh Berry, Christian Eckes, Zane Smith, Christopher Bell, and more.
“This is something I’m really excited about, not only for Trackhouse and the initiatives that we’re pursuing, but for short-track racing in general,” said Justin Marks. “Asphalt Late Model racing truly is the foundation of NASCAR and bringing a group like this together will serve the racer and fan. The CARS Tour is so important to the racing scene in the Southeast, and this group can bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to the series that will ensure authentic and valuable growth in the years to come.”
Kevin Harvick competed in the late model division in the early 90s at his hometown track, Mesa Marin Speedway in Bakersfield. He won the Late Model championship in 1993. Shortly after, Harvick competed in the former NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour in 1995. Sadly, the series was discontinued in 2006.
“I grew up racing Late Model Stock Cars on the West Coast,” said Harvick. “Late Model racing has always been a passion of mine and I want to ensure short-track asphalt racing and the CARS Tour continue to grow and succeed. I look forward to sharing the responsibility with this like-minded group of racers.”
Jeff Burton, the father of Harrison Burton, watched his son compete in the CARS Tour for three seasons. Harrison won one race at Concord Speedway, along with three top-five and five top-ten finishes in ten races.
“The opportunity to work with a group of partners that I have so much respect for in the sport that I love is amazing,” said Jeff Burton. “Collectively, I believe we can contribute to grass-roots racing and the overall health of motorsports in the process. By building off the positive foundation Jack has built, I’m confident we can create a next-level experience for the competitors, partners, and fans.”
The CARS Solid Rock Carriers Tour starts the 2023 season on March 11th, from Southern National Motorsports Park in Kenly, North Carolina.
