Dale Earnhardt Jr. is speaking out after complaints about new costs at Cordele Motor Speedway. Some drivers are upset about the rising fees, calling them too high. Others see value in what the track offers. Now, there’s debate over what teams should pay and what they get in return. At the same time, big changes are happening in the CARS Tour, including one race with a massive payout. But the focus remains on the track, the fees, and Earnhardt’s response.
- Dale Earnhardt Jr. addressed high testing fees at Cordele, noting many tracks charge similar rates for a full day of testing.
- He emphasized the superior quality and infrastructure of Cordele Motor Speedway to justify the increased costs for teams.
- Junior acknowledged the frustration among drivers but argued that the fees reflect premium services and an overall better experience.
- Mixed reactions from drivers included some calling the fees “outrageous” while others recognized the facility’s exceptional quality.
- The CARS Tour continues to grow, with significant events like the $200,000 Throwback 225 at Hickory, enhancing competitive opportunities.
CARS Tour’s Growth and Partnership with FOX
As the CARS Tour continues to expand its reach, the recent partnership with FOX marks a crucial milestone in its expedition. Acquired by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his team in 2023, the series has experienced notable growth, capturing the attention of racing enthusiasts.
The collaboration with FOX, particularly FS1’s live coverage of the CARS LMSC Tour race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, is a substantial leap forward. This partnership, alongside the support from FloRacing, improves the series’ visibility and broadens its audience.
Such exposure not only raises the CARS Tour but also promises more opportunities for drivers and teams similarly. As the racing world evolves, this alliance positions the CARS Tour tactically, aiming for sustained momentum and increased engagement in the competitive landscape.
The Controversy at Cordele Motor Speedway
The recent event at Cordele Motor Speedway has stirred up considerable discussion among drivers and fans likewise, primarily due to the unexpectedly high testing fees.
The mandatory three-hour testing session came with a steep price tag of $125 per hour, prompting frustration among competitors. Late Model racer Douglas Barnes Jr. publicly criticized this rate, noting that it markedly exceeded the norm for such testing. His comments resonated a broader sentiment within the racing community, where affordability is crucial for participation.
“Testing today for this weekend’s CARS Tour race. Usually, it’s about $150-200 a day to test, but Cordele is welcoming us with a nice $125 AN HOUR. Thanks for the hospitality @CordeleSpeedway.” – Douglas Barnes Jr.
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged the surprise surrounding the fees, he defended the quality of the facility, suggesting that the increased costs reflect the track’s commitment to providing a first-rate racing experience.
“I don’t love it. But he’s (Douglas Jr.) acting surprised when his team knew this info and still showed up today to test.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Explanation
Dale Earnhardt Jr. tackled the recent uproar over testing fees at Cordele Motor Speedway during a lively discussion on his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. addressed the controversy surrounding testing fees at Cordele Motor Speedway on his “Dale Jr. Download” podcast.
He acknowledged that while many tracks charge similar prices for an entire day of testing, Cordele’s fees caught some teams off guard.
“A lot of the tracks that we go to, charge you that same price for maybe the entire day. So, that was a bit of a surprise for our teams and me as well. I wasn’t really, crazy about that, but when you look around the facility itself, I mean, this place was amazing. They had put so much money into it, everything was top-notch— from the bathrooms to the fence to everything. I mean, it was just really a good facility and our teams, I believe, most of them walked away going, “Man, I’d love to come back here, this was great.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt emphasized the superior quality of the facility, highlighting notable investments in infrastructure, from clean bathrooms to high-quality amenities.
He argued that the increased cost reflects the premium services offered, which improve the overall experience for competing teams.
Feedback from Drivers on the High Testing Fees
Feedback from drivers regarding the high testing fees at Cordele Motor Speedway has been mixed. Some, like Ryan Millington, labeled the fees as “outrageous,” yet they also recognized the superior facilities, including clean bathrooms and a pristine track. Millington noted that despite the costs, the exceptional experience would draw him back.
“The testing fee was outrageous… but, I guess that’s what you get to come here and have the cleanest bathrooms we’ve ever had at a track, a beautiful race track, where everything is spotless. I’ve enjoyed being here, and we’ll come back and do it again next year if we have to.” – Ryan Millington
The event’s significance, being the initial for Late Model Stock cars at the track, adds to the general excitement.
The Exciting Future of CARS Tour and the $200,000 Race Purse at Hickory
As excitement builds for the upcoming Throwback 225 at Hickory Motor Speedway, the CARS Tour prepares to present its future potential with a remarkable $200,000 race purse.
This substantial payout, made possible by the generous sponsorship from FloRacing, highlights the series’ commitment to elevating the competition.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has expressed optimism about the tour’s path, particularly emphasizing the partnership with FloRacing as a catalyst for growth.
Yeah, it’s awesome. Me and Kevin (Harvick) were taking about that today. We are like man its happening. Right? The things that we wanted to see working out. Flo has been a big part of that. Especially the hickory deal with the throwback race of the $200,000 purse. Without Flo it doesn’t happen. Period. So if anybody wants to be happy and thankful. They need to tell Flo.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Championship leader Connor Hall also lauded this support, recognizing the incredible opportunity for drivers to compete for notable financial rewards.
The Throwback 225 promises to be a crucial event, displaying not only the talent of its competitors but also the enduring appeal of short track racing in the CARS Tour.
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News In Brief: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Defends Track Fees
While the price hikes for testing at short tracks have sparked considerable debate among drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr. believes that these increases are crucial for the growth of the CARS Tour. As the series continues to expand, the potential for larger race purses, like the $200,000 at Hickory, offers exciting opportunities for competitors. Balancing costs with the demands of racing is no easy task, but Earnhardt’s vision aims to enhance the sport for everyone involved.
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