Kevin Harvick’s leadership drives CARS Tour growth, powering its transformation from a regional short track series into a nationally recognized motorsports platform, with help from fellow champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. In recent years, the duo’s business acumen and dedication have created fresh opportunities for drivers, teams, and fans throughout the racing world.
Harvick’s Vision Sets New Standards for the CARS Tour
With almost three decades of experience and a NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2014, Kevin Harvick has played a pivotal role in reshaping the CARS Tour. By working as co-owner with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks, Harvick leverages his racing pedigree and broad network to strengthen the tour’s relevance and reach.
Harvick’s primary focus is integrating grassroots racing with NASCAR’s elite levels. He regularly highlights stories such as Josh Berry’s progression from local short tracks to the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series as a powerful example of what the CARS Tour can offer aspiring competitors. Speaking on the value of his approach, Harvick explained,
“Well, I think the most important thing is using our platform to expose who those short-track drivers are… And really, try to help them understand what is actually supposed to happen from a social standpoint, how you act and how you drive,”
—Kevin Harvick, Co-owner/Champion
Under the current ownership, the CARS Tour has secured significant partnerships, such as a deal with FloRacing that brings live event coverage and increased visibility. These advancements offer both financial stability and greater exposure, helping the series make a national impact while supporting the careers of up-and-coming drivers.
CARS Tour Expansion in the West: Earnhardt Jr.’s Perspective
Harvick’s influence is especially apparent in the CARS Tour’s western division. Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently recounted a thrilling event where Harvick, competing alongside his son Keelan, faced adversity during a race but ultimately saw Keelan clinch a memorable win. Earnhardt Jr. noted,
“On the West Coast, the Cars tour had a big race occur, County and Kevin and Keelan Harvick raced against each other, and Keelan came out on top in that victory, and Kevin got wiped out in a crash. But Kevin is doing some really great stuff with that Western portion of the Cars tour,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner/Champion
Despite his own race ending in a crash, Harvick’s contributions to the tour’s western growth remain impressive. The dynamic of a father and son racing head-to-head has drawn heightened interest and engagement in the region, giving fans and new participants a unique story to follow.
Earnhardt Jr. also shared optimism about current operations and hinted at ongoing developments for the tour, stating,
“A lot of growth in the Cars tour, a lot of great conversations being had and some new announcements coming down the line, but so far, it’s been a solid season for us as a business,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Co-owner/Champion
The series has flourished under the direction of its accomplished ownership group, which features NASCAR standouts like Jeff Burton and rising executive Justin Marks alongside Harvick and Earnhardt Jr. This leadership team has overseen crowded grandstands, increased car counts, and deeper community engagement at CARS Tour events.
Looking Ahead to Continued Success and Innovation
Fueled by energetic guidance and a commitment to bridging grassroots and top-tier racing, the CARS Tour is gaining momentum in the national motorsports scene. Partnerships such as the FloRacing broadcast deal, along with innovations in fan interaction and infrastructure, position the series for even wider recognition and growth. The vibrant leadership of figures like Kevin Harvick and Dale Earnhardt Jr., as well as the passionate support from fans and drivers—including notable names such as Josh Berry, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks—signal a promising future ahead. As conversations continue and new announcements emerge, the impact of Kevin Harvick’s leadership driving CARS Tour growth will likely set lasting standards for regional racing circuits striving for national prominence.
