In the latest news, the CARS tour series which ran late-model races on short tracks just received a massive update. There was a recent announcement that a group of drivers and team owners decided to purchase the racing series and bring it under their management. Among the buyers are former NASCAR superstars, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jeff Burton, and Kevin Harvick. Along with the three drivers, Trackhouse Racing owner, Justin Marks, also entered the fray as the new owner of the series.

Meanwhile, despite the change in ownership, the racing schedule for the 2023 season will remain as planned. The original founder of the series, Jack McNelly, will remain to oversee the overall operations of the racing events. Following the purchase, McNelly expressed his feelings to the media about the series developing further with time since it was now in more experienced hands.

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Furthermore, even Trackhouse Racing boss Justin Marks, who joined along on the venture, was ecstatic with the development. During an interview with the press, he called the series “truly the foundation of NASCAR.” He further stated, “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.”

The origins of the CARS tour series and the participation of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in it

Jack McNelly took the initiative to create the series back in 2014. They crafted the series out of the Pro Cup Series. The racing mostly involved late-model racing in short tracks focused on the east coast areas.

The series had been a vital part of American motor racing. Primarily because of creating proving grounds for several drivers who later on had impressive careers for themselves. There have been several noteworthy drivers who raced in the series before moving on to higher divisions of NASCAR. Some of them being William Byron, Ty Gibbs, and Sam Mayer. Even current drivers such as Carson Kvapil have been out there proving their worth as class drivers.

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Earnhardt Jr also at times participates in the series. Although not in a full-time capacity, but rather in one-off appearances. One such appearance was during the CARS tour race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, right after its revival. Now, under new management, there is hope for the series to only grow bigger with time.