Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick have teamed up to inject old-school excitement back into American stock car racing with their leadership of the CARS Tour, aiming to recapture the classic energy of the celebrated Winston Cup era. By building a modern racing series with a nostalgic core, they seek to offer fans the authentic competition and atmosphere that marked the sport’s golden years, continuing the tradition even as NASCAR evolves away from its roots. The Kevin Harvick CARS Tour partnership stands as a beacon for race fans who long for the intensity and spirit of yesterday’s track battles.
Bridging Past and Present on Short Tracks
In a recent interview with FloRacing, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the enthusiasm that fans and competitors share for the CARS Tour, observing how the series conjures memories of NASCAR’s premier Winston Cup and Busch Series days. That blend of nostalgia and high-octane competition has become the cornerstone of the series’ identity, one its co-owners are determined to preserve as the tour continues to expand its presence and reach.
Earnhardt Jr. openly acknowledged,
“I hear a lot of this from competitors, fans,”
Dale Jr. said.
“Our series reminds them of what they experienced in either the NASCAR Xfinity series or even the Cup series back in the 80s and 90s. It has that feel. And that’s really kind of been the identity of the CARS Tour, and we want to hang on to that identity as we grow. We still want to hang on to that feeling, that culture. And it’s doable.”
– Dale Jr., Co-Owner
The traditional short-track format is a primary factor in recreating this connection. Tracks like North Wilkesboro Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway were synonymous with the Winston Cup of the ‘80s and ‘90s. The CARS Tour aims to continue this legacy by anchoring its events in these kinds of venues, giving current fans and up-and-coming drivers a chance to experience the foundational style of stock car racing.
Maintaining the Core Identity Amid Expansion
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has drawn parallels between his growth of JR Motorsports and the steady development of the CARS Tour, emphasizing that increasing scale does not need to result in lost traditions or diminished culture. By fostering a “family-oriented atmosphere,” he believes that racing organizations can expand while staying true to their origins and values—an approach reflected in both his racing team and the racing series itself.
He pointed out,
“I compare it to JR Motorsports when we have a very family-oriented atmosphere in junior motorsports, and it’s been difficult to hang on to that as we’ve grown from 10 employees to 160 employees, but we still have that culture. And everyone there that works there feels it. And so I think that we can hang on to this identity and continue to have that vibe about us as we grow and mature as a series,”
Dale Jr. further added.
Alongside Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick, other key partners in the zMAX CARS Tour include Justin Marks of Spire Motorsports and Jeff Burton, offering the series deep-rooted expertise from long-standing figures within the sport. By drawing on the legacy of classic events and ongoing commitment to short-track environments, the CARS Tour creates a bridge between racing veterans, new talent, and loyal fans.
Historic Roots and Current Impact
The CARS Tour traces its lineage to the late 1990s, having emerged from the USAR Pro Cup Series and CARS Pro Cup Series. Originally featuring Late Model Stock and Super Late Model cars, the series, as of 2023, now races Late Model Stock and Pro Late Model vehicles. This format not only maintains high-intensity, “old-school” competition, it makes racing more accessible to fans, with relatively affordable ticket prices and events that bring together entire communities.
Mainstays such as the Throwback 276 at Hickory Motor Speedway, a venue at the heart of North Carolina’s motorsports landscape, capture the blend of tradition and innovation that defines the CARS Tour. These races allow up-and-coming drivers like Josh Berry and Deac McCaskill the chance to compete in front of knowledgeable crowds, while established teams such as JR Motorsports serve as ambassadors of consistency and excellence.
The evolution of the series continues to foster an environment where veterans and rising stars can compete side by side, drawing in generations of race fans from across the region and echoing the sport’s roots in grassroots racing culture.
Fan Discontent with Modern NASCAR Sparks Opportunity
The dedication to classic racing values is not without its critics or challenges. Some longtime NASCAR fans have voiced their disappointment with the rise of “artificial racing”—particularly stage breaks and numerous cautions—arguing these changes disrupt the natural rhythm and strategy of races. As attention turns to the trajectory of the CARS Tour, there is both optimism and scrutiny over whether Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick can sustain excitement among traditionalists and draw in new fans alike.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Stern Message to Carson Hocevar
The series’ focus on rivalries and accountability came sharply into view following a recent incident involving Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar. After Hocevar made aggressive contact with Christopher Bell during the Autotrader 400 at EchoPark Speedway, Earnhardt Jr. delivered a pointed warning on his podcast. Critiquing Hocevar’s driving style, he cautioned the young driver about potential on-track repercussions, suggesting that aggressive actions often yield payback from peers.
“We’re here right now to talk about whether this is his fault or not his fault. And I think it’s clear that he bears the responsibility for everything to happen. Does this come back on him? We don’t know. We do not know. I feel like that, eventually, yes, somebody will do something. And it may be Denny, that says, ‘You know what? I’m not having a good race today. And you are. And it’s my chance.’”
– Dale Jr., Co-Owner
This moment unfolded late in the race, with Christopher Bell leading and Hocevar seeking an opening. When Hocevar made contact, Bell’s car was forced into the fence, resulting in a disappointing 21st-place finish for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver. Earnhardt Jr.’s pointed remarks hint at a culture of self-policing within the sport, where mutual respect and consequences keep drivers in check.
The Lasting Influence and What Lies Ahead
The CARS Tour stands at a pivotal point, with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, and their partners steering the series into new territory while paying homage to the sport’s storied past. Their approach underscores the enduring appeal of short-track racing in regions like North Carolina, with venues such as Hickory Motor Speedway providing a proving ground for competitors young and old. With growing fan support, affordable access, and a strong sense of tradition, the series is positioned as a crucial alternative for those critical of modern NASCAR’s evolution.
As the CARS Tour navigates expansion and rising interest, much attention will rest on whether it can preserve its identity even while attracting the next generation of racers and supporters. By uniting established stars, promising talents, and passionate fans, the series reaffirms the central values of American motorsports and holds out hope that the spirit of the Winston Cup era endures well into the future.
🏁 Fans have compared the identity of the #CARSTour to #NASCAR in the 80s and 90s, and @DaleJr doesn't want that to change. pic.twitter.com/Q9gwPm5bAh
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) February 27, 2026
