On May 16, 2025, fans of grassroots racing will experience a pivotal moment as Dale Earnhardt Jr promotes CARS Tour on FS1, offering live, in-depth coverage of the series’ premier Late Model Stock Car race. This event takes place at North Wilkesboro Speedway, right in the heart of the All-Star weekend festivities, amplifying short track racing on a national stage and drawing attention from a wider audience. With Kevin Harvick joining Dale Earnhardt Jr in the broadcast booth, the race promises not only thrilling on-track action but also expert insight from two of racing’s most respected voices. For many, this marks a significant leap forward for the CARS Tour, giving the series its most high-profile exposure yet, thanks to Earnhardt Jr’s relentless commitment to traditional stock car racing and his foresight in promoting the next generation of drivers.
This historic broadcast represents the first time that FS1 will air flag-to-flag coverage of the CARS Tour’s Late Model Stock Car division, partnering with FloRacing and building directly on the excitement and energy of NASCAR Cup qualifying. Dale Earnhardt Jr has used his influence and dedication to give grassroots racing the platform it deserves, responding to those who believe the sport needs stronger connections to its roots. As he explained,
“If you’re wanting to support Short Track Racing and the Cars Tour, the ZMAX Cars Tour, tuning in is the best way you can do that.”
His enthusiasm underscores the importance of this moment, noting,
“How many people are going to be able to see the Cars Tour on FS1 for the first time? Being in the booth with Kevin, talking about our series, I can’t wait. I just can’t believe it.”
Short track racing has always held a unique place in American motorsports, and Dale Earnhardt Jr’s willingness to bridge the gap between grassroots competitors and national audiences demonstrates a respect for racing’s deep traditions. With NASCAR moving Richmond Raceway off the schedule for an international event, Earnhardt Jr recognized an opportunity to showcase the excitement and toughness of traditional late model stock cars. Alongside co-owners Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks, he has helped oversee a resurgence in interest for the CARS Tour, including the reinvigoration of historic venues like North Wilkesboro Speedway. This partnership with FS1 signals a renewed commitment to ensuring that the voices, skills, and dreams of short track racers reach beyond the confines of local circuits.
Kip Childress, the executive director of the CARS Tour, highlighted just how meaningful this exposure is for the series:
“Our primary mission is to look for ways to put our drivers, teams and partners in front of as many race fans as possible. This announcement rewards everyone by introducing the CARS Tour to such a big television platform while also bringing the series closer to Sunday’s All-Star Race festivities.”
The broadcasting team blends experience and star power, with Earnhardt Jr and Harvick joining lead CARS Tour play-by-play announcer Eric Brennan, whose previous work on FS1’s ARCA Menards Series broadcasts adds further credibility to the coverage.
The Late Model Stock Car race is strategically scheduled for Friday night after the NASCAR Cup qualifying rounds, maximizing viewership and aligning with the bustling North Wilkesboro All-Star weekend. For existing FloRacing subscribers, simultaneous coverage remains available, ensuring that passionate fans can still access every moment of the action. Earnhardt Jr emphasized the historic nature of the timing:
“It’s getting even cooler because the late model stock portion is going to move to Friday night following Cup qualifying, and it will be on FS1. If you want to watch it on Flow, it’ll still be there on Flow.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr brings his trademark dedication and competitive spirit to this expanded broadcasting role, but his work stretches far beyond just commentary. His involvement in every facet of the CARS Tour—from ownership to promotion to hands-on event management—has fueled the series’ growth and sustained its focus on grassroots excellence. The timing could not be better; as NASCAR fans look for new ways to engage with authentic racing, putting the CARS Tour in the FS1 spotlight delivers the drama and unpredictability that first drew many to stock car racing.
The excitement of this venture is heightened by the presence of not only Dale Earnhardt Jr but also Kevin Harvick in the broadcast booth. The camaraderie between the two was established years ago, highlighted in moments like their joint celebration at the 2014 Great Clips 300 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and continues as they lead the CARS Tour into a bold new era.
“This is going to be an exciting and entertaining weekend of racing at North Wilkesboro,”
Earnhardt Jr said.
“I’m very proud about how much the series has grown and this is an incredible opportunity for our drivers and teams to showcase themselves.”
That pride reverberates throughout the racing community, as the 2025 North Wilkesboro All-Star Race weekend features an unprecedented slate of eight events, including the Window World 250, NASCAR Whelen Modified Series, and both CARS Tour divisions.
The rebirth of North Wilkesboro, after years of inactivity, stands as a symbol of the sport’s commitment to honoring its past while looking toward the future. The track’s reintroduction to the national scene in recent All-Star weekends has only amplified its historical relevance, and the addition of the CARS Tour broadcast on FS1 underlines the importance of supporting such hallowed venues. Dale Earnhardt Jr’s tireless advocacy has not only brought new visibility to the CARS Tour but has also given North Wilkesboro their loudest weekend in years, solidifying its place at racing’s cutting edge.
The momentum behind Dale Earnhardt Jr and the CARS Tour extends well beyond this weekend. While fans eagerly anticipate his and Harvick’s commentary during the landmark broadcast, few realize the preparation it demands. Just recently, Earnhardt Jr was at Kansas Speedway, preparing for yet another broadcasting commitment alongside longtime friend and former crew chief, Steve Letarte, and fellow sportscaster Adam Alexander. Their relationship, forged through shared victories and struggles during the 2011-2014 seasons at Hendrick Motorsports, has grown even stronger in the world of television. As Letarte remarked on social media,
“Rehearsal day… Prepping for @nascar on @sportsonprime with @dalejr & @adam1alexander,”
illustrating the professionalism and care Earnhardt Jr puts into his coverage.
Having taken a much-needed break after the previous broadcast season, Dale Earnhardt Jr is now busier than ever, drawing upon his firsthand experience behind the wheel and in the owner’s seat to deliver compelling, insightful commentary. With the debut of NASCAR coverage on Amazon Prime set for May 25 and the Coca-Cola 600, he faces the challenge of adapting to a new platform, but his track record suggests he is more than prepared for the transition. Such adaptability underscores his value to multiple broadcasting partners, ensuring that his influence will be felt far and wide in the world of sports media.
As momentum builds for All-Star weekend, the CARS Tour’s inclusion in the nation’s broadcast lineup reminds racing enthusiasts of the power of vision and determination. Dale Earnhardt Jr’s persistent belief in the value of short track racing has already sparked measurable change: deeper fan engagement, new sponsorship opportunities, and a revitalized commitment from drivers and teams. The FS1 broadcast, with Harvick and Earnhardt Jr at the helm, is expected to draw thousands of new viewers to the series, building excitement not only for the main event but also for future races across the country.
The impact of this broadcast will also extend to the drivers themselves. Many CARS Tour competitors see this as a unique platform for introducing themselves to team scouts, sponsors, or top-level owners.
“We’re ready for this chance to prove we can race against the country’s best,”
one driver shared. Their stories will reach households far beyond North Wilkesboro, inspiring the next generation of stock car racers and deepening appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in grassroots competition.
Industry experts suggest that this kind of national exposure can be a launching pad for both the CARS Tour and North Wilkesboro Speedway. By involving respected voices like Dale Earnhardt Jr and Harvick in the booth, FS1 generates credibility and anticipation, providing analysis that appeals to longtime fans while remaining accessible to newcomers. Such crossover promotions are expected to result in greater sponsor investment, improved racing technology, and a more vibrant competitive field in seasons to come.
As Earnhardt Jr himself reminds everyone, success for grassroots racing depends on broad support.
“If you care about our sport’s future, tuning in to the CARS Tour is one of the best things you can do.”
That challenge carries weight, especially from someone whose career has been defined by a passion for racing’s heartland. The hope is that this landmark coverage not only entertains but also galvanizes fans and officials alike to keep building bridges between the highest echelons of the sport and the dirt, sweat, and determination of local tracks.
With the green flag set to drop on a new era for the CARS Tour at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr has shown what is possible when leadership, vision, and tenacity converge. As racing’s legends join hands with its rising stars in front of national cameras, expectations for this event are higher than ever. The coming months will reveal the full effect of this effort, but for now, fans can savor the anticipation of seeing their favorite grassroots heroes earn the recognition they deserve, guided every step of the way by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
