Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Justin Marks purchase CARS Tour

Asphalt Late Model series is under new ownership heading into the 2023 season

Four from the NASCAR industry have teamed up to purchase the late model series. Icons Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks have formed an ownership group to purchase the series.

19 races remain on the schedule for the upcoming season. Series founder Jack McNelly and his staff will still oversee operations and track events in 2023.

The series was formerly known as the Pro Cup Series. The series hosts Pro Late Models as well as Late Model Stock Cars.

The 2023 season begins at Southern National Motorsports Park (Kenly, N.C.) on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

Jack McNelly comments on the sale

“Owning and developing the CARS Tour has been an honor and one I’m immensely proud of,” said CARS Tour founder Jack 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.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr comments

Dale Earnhardt Jr is already a car owner in the CARS Tour.

This is a dream come true for me,” said Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer and current NBC Sports analyst.

“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.”

Dale Jr added, “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.”

Kevin Harvick comments

Recently, Kevin Harvick tested an asphalt late model. He then teased the idea of bringing back Kevin Harvick Inc.

Kevin Harvick tests asphalt late model; Now looking to race

“I grew up racing Late Model Stock Cars on the West Coast,” Kevin Harvick said.

Harvick added, “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 comments

“The opportunity to work with a group of partners that I have so much respect for in the sport that I love is amazing,” added Jeff Burton.

Burton added, “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.”

Justin Marks comments

Justin Marks is a co-founder of Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Recently, Marks had an idea to create a new NASCAR series featuring old machines while also using the rulebooks from that era. Two days later, NASCAR registered, ‘NASCAR Classic’.

NASCAR Classic: New series using old rule books on the way?

“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.

Marks added, “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.”

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CARS Tour | NASCAR | Dale Earnhardt Jr | Kevin Harvick | Jeff Burton | Trackhouse Racing

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