Three years after the power alliance of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Justin Marks, and Jeff Burton took over the CARS Tour, the series has added another major name to its growing ownership group.
On Tuesday, the premier asphalt late model series announced that Speedway Motorsports, led by CEO Marcus Smith, has joined the ownership group. The move gives the rapidly growing series backing from one of the most influential organizations in American motorsports as it continues to expand its reach.
Beyond the headline, the move gives the CARS Tour access to one of the most experienced organizations in motorsports, with Speedway Motorsports bringing decades of knowledge in promoting races and growing grassroots racing.
Since Earnhardt Jr., Harvick, Burton, and Marks purchased the series in 2023, the CARS Tour has enjoyed a surge in popularity. The stands are now packed, and livestream audiences have increased (courtesy of the promotion’s alliance with Floracing). Thus, making the series a destination for many of NASCAR’s current stars and rising prospects.
Marks believes adding Smith is another step in building on that momentum. “The CARS Tour has grown leaps and bounds the past few years and welcoming Marcus into the ownership group is just another step in our effort to bring the best Late Model racing in America to as many people as possible,” the Trackhouse Racing co-owner stated.
He also pointed to Smith’s extensive background in the sport, adding, “Marcus’ experience, perspective and business ecosystem will prove very valuable as the CARS Tour continues to establish itself as can’t-miss short track racing.”
For the unversed, Smith has spent nearly three decades with Speedway Motorsports after joining the company in 1996. Since becoming CEO in 2015, he has overseen a portfolio that includes 11 motorsports venues and 15 NASCAR Cup Series weekends, as well as NHRA, IndyCar, World of Outlaws, concerts, and other major events.
For Speedway Motorsports, the investment is nothing new. Founded by NASCAR Hall of Famer Bruton Smith, the company has supported grassroots racing for decades, making the CARS Tour a natural fit.
What began with Charlotte Motor Speedway eventually grew into one of the biggest names in motorsports promotion. Today, the organization owns and operates some of NASCAR’s most recognizable venues while also overseeing the Performance Racing Network (PRN) and U.S. Legend Cars International, both of which have played a key role in developing young talent.
Naturally, Smith sees the CARS Tour as the next step in that progression, giving young and coming drivers another pathway from grassroots racing to NASCAR’s national series.
Reflecting on the same, he said, “Since the creation of U.S. Legend Cars International in 1992, Speedway Motorsports has been committed to grassroots racing and developing the next generation of NASCAR drivers.”
“This investment with the zMAX CARS Tour is a logical next step for us to help Legend Car drivers move to late models and then to NASCAR’s national series, while continuing to maximize a fantastic marketing platform for our zMAX line of automotive additives.”
In hindsight, the announcement comes just days before the CARS Tour heads to SMI Track North Wilkesboro Speedway for a Friday doubleheader featuring both the Pro Late Model and Late Model Stock divisions.
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