Dale Earnhardt Jr. will bring his signature star power to North Wilkesboro Speedway this week, as he announces and co-hosts the much-anticipated CARS Tour doubleheader alongside Kevin Harvick. On Thursday, May 15, and Friday, May 16, the historic track will resonate not just with the roar of engines, but with the energy of two NASCAR icons in the broadcast booth, delivering play-by-play coverage and expert commentary for fans watching on FloRacing and FS1. This event signals a new highlight for short track racing, with the CARS Tour seeing record entries and national attention.
The zMAX CARS Tour events at North Wilkesboro feature two action-packed nights: a 75-lap Pro Late Model feature on Thursday and a 100-lap Late Model Stock Car race on Friday. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer, joins forces with reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, both of whom are co-owners of the CARS Tour. Their on-air presence is expected to attract even more viewers, as the entry lists for both events are already loaded with talented drivers and rising stars eager to make their mark.
Fans can expect a unique dynamic in the broadcast booth. Eric Brennan will lead the play-by-play, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick provide in-depth analysis drawn from their own remarkable experiences. Collectively, the booth boasts three Daytona 500 victories, four NASCAR Xfinity Series championships, and a NASCAR Cup Series title—credentials that further elevate the excitement and credibility of this week’s coverage from North Wilkesboro Speedway.
On the ground, coverage will extend to every corner of the action, with Blake McCandless and James Pike covering pit road for Thursday’s Pro Late Model race, while Kaitlin Vincie joins the lineup for Friday’s Late Model Stock Car event. The comprehensive broadcast aims to immerse viewers in every moment, from the intensity of green flag racing to the pulse-pounding strategy that plays out behind the scenes. All races will air live on FloRacing, with Friday’s showdown also available on FS1, making access to the event straightforward for dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
The event carries additional personal significance for both lead commentators. For Dale Earnhardt Jr., these races are an important opportunity to reconnect with fans and sharpen his broadcasting skills before returning to call the NASCAR Cup Series on Prime Video, starting with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway next week. “I can’t wait for this,” said Earnhardt Jr. recently on his ‘Dale Jr. Download’ podcast.
“Being in the booth with Kevin, talking about our series, I can’t wait. If you’re wanting to support short track racing and the CARS Tour, tuning in is the best way you can do that.”
For Kevin Harvick, Thursday night holds special meaning as he will call his son’s first stock car race from the booth, an experience he has not previously had while finishing his duties with FOX Sports. Harvick will make his FloRacing booth debut Thursday, further sweetening this historic North Wilkesboro weekend for viewers and giving fans another reason to tune in.
The return of Dale Earnhardt Jr. as a commentator at a grassroots racing event not only boosts the profile of the CARS Tour but also highlights the growing synergy between national-level NASCAR personalities and local short tracks. The presence of such legendary figures is expected to inspire a new wave of interest among younger fans and racers, reaffirming the enduring impact of stars like Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the wider motorsports community. With so much talent concentrated at North Wilkesboro and new broadcasting partnerships energizing the scene, this week’s event may well mark a defining moment for both the CARS Tour and short track racing as a whole.
