The CARS Tour, founded in 2014 by Jack McNelly, was purchased by a consortium of NASCAR figures in 2023. Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the lead in acquiring the asphalt late model stock car racing series, alongside partners Kevin Harvick, Justin Marks, and Jeff Burton.
Advertisement
Their goal was simple: Strengthen and promote grassroots-level stock car racing. They have been doing a splendid job at this since then.
In an interview with FloRacing last month, Dale Jr. discussed the state of the series. The icon also explained why he chose Harvick as a partner in this ambitious undertaking.
“Honestly, this conversation happened in a golf cart. In a bus lot in Bristol Motor Speedway. I said, ‘Kevin. I am thinking about buying this series, and he says, ‘I am in,'” narrated Junior.
“Me and Kevin have been friends. We have had our bumps in the road as competitors over the years. But he is a very ambitious businessman, and I thought he could bring a lot to the group we put together,” he added.
Dale Jr. then explained how Burton was a natural choice for the venture, given his versatile experience. Marks, Junior said, brings in his unique marketing approach. All their different set of skills contribute to the functioning of the CARS Tour.
Dale Jr. then spoke about the fun he is having watching the series grow under them.
Dale Jr.’s vision for the CARS Tour
All four co-owners of the CARS Tour are aficionados of grassroots-level racing. They are never going to go toward bigger venues regardless of how much success they achieve. Dale Jr. reiterated this during an event at the Florence Motor Speedway last year.
“We run a particular car. It’s always going to stay in one lane. We’re never going to leave these types of racetracks and go to bigger and better venues. We love the grassroots connection. We love the vibe and energy that you get when you’re at a racetrack like Florence,” said Junior.
They wish for the CARS Tour to grow much bigger and for fans from across the world to take notice. However, they also know what its strength is and will stick to that.
Their investment is poised toward achieving three main goals. The first is to preserve grassroots-level racing cultures. The second is to be a good development ladder for upcoming drivers. And the third is to give local racing better visibility and sponsorship opportunities. Safe to say, they are traveling steadily toward achieving those goals.
