James Seeright, a third-generation racer, will compete in his Hettinger Racing CARS Tour debut during the season-opening KevinSaysYes.com 100 at Southern National Speedway in Lacuna, North Carolina this Saturday. Bringing experience from karting and the UARA Sportsman Series, Seeright aims to make an impact as he enters the Pro Late Model division, contributing to his team’s two-car lineup for the full 2026 season.
Seeright Begins New Chapter with Hettinger Racing
The 22-year-old Winter Haven, Florida native will pilot the No. 5 Cathy Boyd’s Tax Service/Cappello Legal Ford Mustang throughout the season. After a successful karting career with 25 championships beginning at age 5, Seeright transitioned to the wedge-bodied asphalt Late Models. He was named Rookie of the Year in the UARA Sportsman Series for 2022 and capped 2024 with a major win in the Bill Bigley Sr. Sports Invitational at Freedom Factory in Bradenton, Florida. These credentials mark Seeright as a strong addition to Hettinger Racing as he moves up to the nationally recognized CARS Tour.
Facing New Challenges in the CARS Tour
Stepping onto the larger CARS Tour stage brings both opportunity and intensity for Seeright. As he joins a tour known for its competitive field, Seeright has expressed his readiness and determination for the challenge.
“The CARS Tour is a big step up, but if you want to measure yourself against some of the best young drivers in the country, it’s where you want to be,”
Seeright said.
“I spent a lot of time in karting and took what I learned there and refined it in the UARA Sportsman Series. I feel like I’m ready for this moment, and being with Hettinger Racing is a big reason why. Chris Hettinger has been around Late Models for a long time. He’s got good people and he brings really good equipment to the track. I’m new to the CARS Tour, but he isn’t. I’ll be able to lean on him and Chase Burrow.”
– James Seeright, Racer
Team Expansion and Shared Ambitions
Hettinger Racing fields two entries in the CARS Tour: Seeright in the Pro Late Model division and 21-year-old Chase Burrow in the Late Model Stock division. Burrow, the 2022 CARS Tour Rookie of the Year, made significant progress last season by claiming his first career CARS Tour victory at Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway in Hampton, Virginia. By pairing these young, talented drivers, team owner Chris Hettinger hopes to foster an environment of success and growth within the organization.
“With James and Chase, we’ve got two young guys who are hungry to learn and driven to win. As a team owner, that’s exactly what you want,”
Hettinger said.
“Our job is to provide James and Chase with the best equipment in a positive and structured environment so each can go out and perform to their full potential.”
– Chris Hettinger, Team Owner
What Awaits at the Southern National Speedway
The upcoming 100-lap Pro Late Model event kicks off the CARS Tour’s season at 3 p.m. EST, followed immediately by the 125-lap Late Model Stock feature. Coverage will be available via FloRacing for fans unable to attend in person. With Seeright’s move to Hettinger Racing and his Hettinger Racing CARS Tour debut, expectations are high for a competitive and memorable season opener in North Carolina. Seeright and his teammates will be looking to set the pace for a year marked by growth, ambition, and potentially career-defining moments.
