Home

NASCAR

North Wilkesboro Fans Go Gaga As Dale Earnhardt Jr Announces Massive CARS Tour Schedule Shake-Up

Published 11/27/2023, 9:48 PM EST

Follow Us

via Getty

In the chill of January 2023, the racing world buzzed with news that the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour was changing hands. NASCAR legends Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Justin Marks stepped into the spotlight, unveiling their fresh ownership of the Southeast’s cream of the crop in asphalt late-model racing. Fast forward- the season wrapped up with a bang, crowning Brenden Queen the victor in the final Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Motorsports Park.

However, unlike this year since the new owners have become well-versed with the series, they decided that the race calendar is not just going to be a repeat performance. The Engines Roar in 2024 will start on March 3rd, and North Wilkesboro Speedway will host three heart-pounding races. Orange County, previously left in the dust, has made a comeback on the schedule. Fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the thrill of this revamped racing season.

The CARS Tour just got a boost with a brand-new sponsor in the mix!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

At Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Justin Marks, the dream team behind the CARS Tour, dropped a major announcement. They’re revving up for the 2024 season with zMAX stepping in as the new headline sponsor. And that’s not all! As they unveiled the 2024 zMAX CARS Tour calendar, they also confirmed that FloRacing is back in the driver’s seat as the official streaming partner for all 19 events. For the second year running, every twist and turn of the zMAX CARS Tour will be streamed live on FloRacing.

Watch This Story: NASCAR’s Historic Track on the Brink of Extinction

Citing the change in schedule Dale Eranhardt Jr exclaimed, “There is a lot to unpack and a lot to be excited about this season – two trips to North Wilkesboro and adding Orange County to the schedule. It’s going to be tough competition for the drivers and a great show for our fans in the stands, and for those watching on FloRacing. Our partnership with FloRacing has helped tremendously in building exposure and excitement around the zMAX CARS Tour. I’m looking forward to continuing that.”

Harvick chimed in talking about their new sponsorship partner, saying, “This year we committed ourselves to helping grow an already-established CARS Tour, and regional asphalt racing as a whole. Having the opportunity to bring on a respected brand and partner like zMAX does so much for the health and professionalism of the zMAX CARS Tour.”

The CARS Tour has been a launchpad for stars like Josh Berry, Harrison Burton, William Byron, Ty Gibbs, Sam Mayer, and Myatt Snider, not to mention current hotshots Carson Kvapil, Deac McCaskill, Bobby McCarty, and Layne Riggs. Hence, the series has to be at its best. Furthermore, on a reflective note, as per shorttrackscene.com, Kevin Harvick opened up about the lessons learned in their inaugural season as owners, sharing insights from his heart-to-heart with co-owner and buddy, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

 

“For me, the piece that has been the most fun is the four people in the ownership group, and I think we have to include Kelly on that because she’s a pretty, pretty big piece of the puzzle that keeps it all going.” Mike Davis, the co-host and business manager for the Dale Jr. brand, was quick to highlight Kelley Earnhardt-Miller’s behind-the-scenes magic. She’s the unsung hero, tirelessly working to elevate the series in ways that often go unnoticed.

Harvick appreciated how despite their diverse backgrounds, the ownership team has been sailing smoothly without any storms. According to him, it’s been a harmonious journey without any clashes so far. Besides, looks like like it’s not just the team that’s excited, but their fans are also thrilled about this new beginning.

Fans are absolutely over the moon with the newly unveiled schedule!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The moment Dale Earnhardt Jr’s official Twitter account shared the new calendar, fans were all over it, buzzing with excitement and eagerly sharing their thoughts. Kaden Honeycutt was one of the first ones we could take note of, who was apparently exclaiming with sheer joy, “ORANGE COUNTY!!!! YESSSS.” Other fans weren’t far behind, highlighting how Wilkes County is set to be the hub of action next season: “Busy year in Wilkes County NC.”

One enthusiast couldn’t help but rave about the lineup, saying, “Southern National, Orange County, & Wake County! Good time to be a Late Model fan in the greater Raleigh area!! Let’s go!!! 🏁.” The excitement was palpable.

There was also a lot of chatter about the three races out of 19 scheduled at Wilkesboro. Comments like “Wilkesboro twice😁😁😁,” “Unlimited Wilkesboro Races”, and “Championship race at North Wilksboro. Love it!” were just a few examples of the enthusiasm.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Thanksgiving Classic’s Pit-Road Brawl Highlights Major Flaw in Asphalt Racing, Reveals NASCAR Insider

So, which race of the Car Tours are you most looking forward to?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Neha Dwivedi

1,154Articles

One take at a time

Neha Dwivedi is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports. As a journalist, she religiously believes in the power of research, which allows her readers to dive deep into her stories and experience the detailed nuances of the sport like never before. Being proficient with Core Sport and Live Event Coverage, she has written multiple copies on the top entities of Stock Car Racing, like Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Tony Stewart.
Show More>

Edited by:

Joyita Das