Dale Earnhardt Jr. Anderson Speedway finish stood out on Saturday night as the NASCAR Hall of Famer made a highly anticipated return to racing during the CARS Tour’s event at Anderson Motor Speedway in South Carolina, ultimately earning a determined 10th-place finish after an eventful race. Both fans and competitors witnessed a memorable night that featured intense late model action and impressive performances by prominent drivers.
Top Drivers Shine as CARS Tour Draws Capacity Crowd
The CARS Tour’s stop at Anderson Motor Speedway filled grandstands to capacity and brought two riveting Late Model features to the South Carolina oval. In the Pro Late Model race, Luke Baldwin seized the lead from Ben Maier and Tristan McKee after timely race contact, controlling the remainder of the 100-lap contest for his second win of the 2025 CARS Tour Pro Late Model season. Later, Landen Lewis powered through a fierce battle in the 125-lap Late Model Stock Car feature, passing Jared Fryar with 13 laps left to claim his third series victory after bouncing back from a previous crash at the CARS Tour Throwback Classic held at Hickory Motor Speedway.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Dramatic Race at Anderson Motor Speedway
Making his much-awaited return to the cockpit, Dale Earnhardt Jr. piloted the iconic No. 8 Budweiser-themed baseball car back into competition. Starting all the way back in 22nd after qualifying, Earnhardt Jr. methodically picked his way through the field, gradually hunting down a position in the top 10. Drama unfolded just before the halfway mark, when he spun exiting turn four with 73 laps still on the board. Undeterred by the setback, “Junior” staged a spirited comeback, advancing as high as ninth before ultimately crossing the finish line in 10th place.
Complete Results from CARS Tour Night at Anderson Motor Speedway
The Late Model Stock Car main event saw Landen Lewis take the top step, followed by Landon Huffman in second and Jared Fryar rounding out the podium. Other notable finishers included Chase Burrow, Connor Hall, and Mini Tyyrell. After the top trio, drivers like Tristan McKee, Kade Brown, and Parker Eatmon all placed within the first nine spots, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. completing the top 10. Further down the field, the likes of Donovan Strauss, Lanie Buice, Ronnie Bassett Jr., Doug Barnes Jr., Carson Loftin, and Thomas Beane added depth to a competitive lineup. Neil Meredith, Ryan Wilson, and David Roberts, all significant names, also participated in a packed Late Model field.
For the Pro Late Models, Luke Baldwin emerged victorious, followed by Isaac Kitzmiller and Seth Christensen. Key contenders such as Ben Maier, Tyler Reif, and Dylan Garner battled throughout, with Brandon Lopez, Trey Burke, and Ashton Higgins taking up positions further back. Participation extended to Hudson Canipe, Jade Avedisian, Rodney Dowless, and several more, making the feature a showcase of up-and-coming talent and established racers alike.
Significance and What’s Ahead for the CARS Tour and Earnhardt Jr.
The return of Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Anderson Motor Speedway not only electrified his fan base but underscored the enduring pull of the CARS Tour and its deep roster of talent. The night’s events, marked by comebacks, relentless battles, and crowd enthusiasm, point to a competitive season ahead. With Luke Baldwin and Landen Lewis collecting key victories, and Earnhardt Jr. demonstrating resilience, the tour’s next stops promise continued excitement and spotlight more drivers eager to etch their names in victory lane.
