Recent from talks
Nothing was collected or created yet.
CARS Tour
View on WikipediaThe CARS Racing Tour sanctions a pair of late model stock car racing series in the United States: the zMAX CARS Tour (formerly known as the USAR Pro Cup Series and CARS Pro Cup Series) and the SPEARS CARS Tour West. They are sanctioned by the Championship Auto Racing Series and sponsored by zMAX and SPEARS Manufacturing. The series competes on paved short tracks in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Key Information
History
[edit]| Category | Stock cars |
|---|---|
| Classes | Pro Late Model and Late Model Stock Car |
| Constructors | Five Star Racecar Bodies |
| Manufacturers | Chevrolet · Ford · Toyota |
| Engine suppliers | Ford · General Motors |
| Tyre suppliers | Hoosier |
| Current champions | Brenden Queen (LMSC) · Kaden Honeycutt (PLM) |
| Makes' champion | Toyota (LMSC) · Chevrolet (PLM) |
| Teams' champion | Lee Pulliam Performance (LMSC) · Mavrick Page Motorsports (PLM) |

The sanctioning body was formed by Hooters owner Robert Brooks. Brooks created the organization to honor the memories of four people who died in an April 1, 1993 airplane crash: Brooks' son Mark Brooks, reigning NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki, Dan Duncan, and pilot Charlie Campbell.[1] The sanctioning body started as the Hooters Cup late model series in 1995. Brooks decided to stop sanctioning the late model series in favor of the Pro Cup series while at the September 1997 race at the Milwaukee Mile. Brooks wanted to move to steel-bodied racecars much like those raced in the NASCAR Busch Series (now NASCAR Xfinity Series) and ARCA Racing Series at the time. There were eleven races in 1997.[1] The series was expanded to twenty races in 1998.
In 2001, the series devised a "northern division" and a "southern division" that race separately. After the regular season, the top drivers from each division participate in a five-race playoff series called the Four Champions Challenge. Winners of the respective division are awarded a 25-point bonus for the playoff and a cash bonus as regular season champions. The driver who gets the most points in the Four Champions races, and the seeding points, (four races in 2001, five races from 2002 until 2005, six in 2006, 5 races in 2007) is declared the USAR champion.
At the end of the season, each of the top 30 teams that competes in at least half of the series' regular season races in their division is given entry points based on the number of points one competitor can earn for finishing in that respective position in a race. Beginning in 2006, the top 15 in each division automatically qualified. Each driver collects points for each race they participate in during the Championship Series, adding to their entry points collected from their regular season finish. A ten-point bonus is awarded for every driver who attempts to qualify at every race, although driver must race three of the six races to qualify for postseason bonus prizes. Cash bonuses are available for winning four, five, or all six postseason races. In 2003, Shane Huffman won a bonus for winning three of the five races. The success of this series led to NASCAR devising its own playoff system in 2004. The sanctioning body's owner, Robert Brooks, who also owned the Hooters restaurant chain, died in July 2006,[2] leading to the eventual sale of the series and the restaurant chain's disassociation. USAR officials combined the Northern and Southern divisions in 2009. Hooters dropped its sponsorship of the series the same season, and the series later re-branded itself as the USARacing Pro Cup Series.
On August 25, 2011, Series Director and Owner Jack McNelly announced that the series would be operating under the name "Championship Auto Racing Series" (CARS Pro Cup). The series picked up title sponsorship from Revolution Oil, renaming the series the Rev-Oil Pro Cup Series through the 2013 season.
After entries began dropping through the final years of the season, during the 2014 playoff (only ten cars were entered at some races during the season with a low of four cars at Coastal Plains Raceway in Jacksonville, NC), CARS began to transition the series into a Late Model Stock Car series. Late Model Stocks (which use perimeter chassis, not to be confused with offset chassis Super Late Models) were permitted in selected races. By the end of the 2014 season, with the demise of the UARA-STARS Tour after a year's suspension, CARS effectively transitioned the Pro Cup into the CARS Tour which effectively absorbed the former UARA tour by adding a division for Late Model Stocks (the perimeter style cars run at places like Martinsville and most tracks in the southeast) and Super Late Models (the types of cars run in the Snowball Derby, Winchester 400, Oxford 250, among other races nationally). The new two-division format started in the 2015 season, with car counts averaging 55 cars per stop in the ten-race tour combined.
The sanctioning body once again broke the mold in 2015 by becoming the first asphalt tour to carry its own streaming and broadcast service, CARS Tour TV, a division of Pit Row Media and their Pit Row TV brand. For the first time in asphalt late model history, an entire tour's schedule was broadcast online and has been since the tour's re-inception in 2015. Pit Row Media has a long-term agreement with the tour to produce and carry event broadcasts, including syndication agreements to REV TV in Canada, SPEED SPORT on MAVTV in the USA, and other networks and distribution partners.
The new format consisted of a 100-150 lap race in each division. The Super Late Model Tour has a working relationship with the United Super Late Model Rules Alliance, which consists of the ARCA/CRA Super Series, ARCA Midwest Tour, SRL Southwest Tour and the Southern Super Series for a common Super Late Model rules package to establish teams in any of the major tours can run all series with few changes.
After three seasons with the format, CARS split the two divisions on selected weekends beginning in 2018, in order to prevent conflicts with major Super Late Model and Late Model Stock races from a regional and national basis.
In 2021, the Late Model Stock Tour had plans to once again visit Rockingham Speedway, formerly known as "The Rock" during its NASCAR days, reviving the dormant track for a second time under new ownership and management.[3]
Starting in 2022, the CARS Tour will discontinue the Super Late Model Division and replace it with a Pro Late Model Division in an attempt to draw more competitors.
In 2025, the CARS Tour will make its Fox Sports 1 broadcast debut during the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway.[4]
New ownership
[edit]On January 9, 2023, the CARS Tour was acquired by a consortium of four companies: DEJ Management, Jeff Burton Autosports, Inc., Kevin Harvick Incorporated, and Trackhouse Racing. All four are NASCAR-related, with two current national series team owners, a Cup Series champion, and a Cup Series veteran.[5][6] FloSports will have media rights in 2024, and the North Wilkesboro Speedway races (one on NASCAR All-Star Race week and one in September) will be two-day events while the others are one-day events. A new title sponsor deal with zMAX was revealed on November 27, 2023. In addition, the winner of the Cook Out 225 as part of the Prelude to the Southern 500 in Florence will determine pole position for the Charlie Powell Memorial 400 (a non-championship race) in November at the circuit.
On October 28, 2025, the CARS Tour announced its 2026 East Tour schedule. The 15-race Late Model and 12-race Pro Late Model Tour will feature two Cup Series-adjacent rounds -- on Friday of the Window World 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway and the Cook Out 225 at Florence Motor Speedway (13 miles from Darlington Raceway) on Friday of the Cook Out Southern 500 meeting. The series will make new stops at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville and Newport Speedway, both in Tennessee, and return to Southern National Motorsports Park.[7]
SPEARS CARS Tour West
[edit]On January 5, 2024, the CARS Tour announced that Pro Late Models will be split into an East and West Tours. Co-owner Kevin Harvick made the expansion of the tour part of his goals.[8] CARS West will use the same Pro Late Model rules but will be a separate series for West Coast drivers, with races in California and Nevada. The new West Tour races will be broadcast live on TrackVision TV, which is a partnership with local west coast racing broadcaster Low Budget TV and Speed Sport.
On November 15, 2024, the CARS Tour announced the 2025 West Tour schedule. The current Pro Late Model division will be rebranded to the Limited Pro Late Model (LPL) running Hoosier 980 slicks. The new Pro Late Model divisions rules and regulations will be exactly like the East Tour's Pro Late Model division. The West Tour will also introduce a Super Late Model and Legends division.[9]
In 2026, the CARS Tour West will split the Pro Late Model series into Southwest and Northwest divisions, which will include crossover races.[10]
2025 SPEARS CARS Tour West Schedule
[edit]| Category | Stock cars, Legends cars |
|---|---|
| Inaugural season | 2024 |
| Classes | Limited Pro Late Model, Pro Late Model, Super Late Model, and Legends |
| Manufacturers | Chevrolet · Ford · Toyota |
| Engine suppliers | Ford · General Motors |
| Tyre suppliers | Hoosier |
| Current champions | Jeffrey Peterson (LPLM) |
| Makes' champion | Chevrolet (LPLM) |
| Official website | www |
| Date | Track | Location | SLM Winner | PLM Winner | LPL Winner | Legends Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 25 | Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway | Bakersfield, California | Dawson Sutton | no race | Joey Iest | Brenden Ruzbarsky |
| Taylor Mayhew | ||||||
| February 7-8 | Havasu 95 Speedway | Lake Havasu City, Arizona | no race | no race | Dylan Zampa | Wyatt Sansom |
| Brenden Ruzbarsky | ||||||
| March 1 | The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Las Vegas, Nevada | Kole Raz | no race | Parker Malone | Tanner Reif |
| March 15 | Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway | Bakersfield, California | no race | Jace Hale | Dylan Zampa | Taylor Mayhew |
| April 12 | All American Speedway | Roseville, California | no race | Jace Hale | Dylan Zampa | Brenden Ruzbarsky |
| April 26 | The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Las Vegas, Nevada | no race | Linny White | no race | Taylor Mayhew |
| Brody Whitbeck | ||||||
| May 10 | All American Speedway | Roseville, California | Jacob Gomes | no race | Dylan Zampa | Jeremy Doss |
| May 31 | Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway | Bakersfield, California | no race | Kevin Harvick | no race | Taylor Mayhew |
| Keelan Harvick | ||||||
| June 7 | Stockton 99 Speedway | Stockton, California | no race | Jacob Gomes | Justin Philpott | Tanner Reif |
| June 28 | Madera Speedway | Madera, California | no race | Haeden Plybon | no race | Brenden Ruzbarsky |
| July 26 | Colorado National Speedway | Dacono, Colorado | Buddy Shepherd | no race | no race | Sean Salazar |
| August 16 | Colorado National Speedway | Dacono, Colorado | no race | Keelan Harvick | no race | no race[11] |
| September 6 | Orange Show Speedway | San Bernardino, California | no race | Linny White | Jeffrey Peterson | Chase Burgeson |
| October 10 | The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway | Las Vegas, Nevada | no race | Jace Hale | Jeffrey Peterson | Taylor Mayhew |
| October 25 | Tucson Speedway | Tucson, Arizona | no race | no race | ||
| November 14-16 | Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway | Bakersfield, California | no race |
CARS Tour Champions (1997–present)
[edit]| Year | Late Model Stock | Super Late Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Brayton Haws | Cole Timm |
| 2016 | Deac McCaskill | Raphaël Lessard |
| 2017 | Josh Berry | Cole Rouse |
| 2018 | Bobby McCarty | Jared Fryar |
| 2019 | Bobby McCarty (2) | Matt Craig |
| 2020 | Jared Fryar | Matt Craig (2) |
| 2021 | Bobby McCarty (3) | Carson Kvapil |
| Year | Late Model Stock | Pro Late Model |
| 2022 | Carson Kvapil | Luke Fenhaus |
| 2023 | Carson Kvapil (2) | Caden Kvapil |
| 2024 | Brenden Queen | Kaden Honeycutt |
| 2025 | Landen Lewis | Ben Maier |
Four Champions Playoff ProCup Champions (2001–2014)
[edit]The following drivers won the Four Champions playoff series after the series was split into two divisions:
- 2014 Caleb Holman
- 2013 Clay Rogers
- 2012 J.P. Morgan
- 2011 Jeff Agnew
- 2010 Clay Rogers
- 2009 Clay Rogers
- 2008 Benny Gordon
- 2007 Bobby Gill
- 2006 Clay Rogers
- 2005 Benny Gordon
- 2004 Clay Rogers
- 2003 Shane Huffman
- 2002 Jason Sarvis
- 2001 Bobby Gill
ProCup Series Champions (1997–2000)
[edit]- 2000 Bobby Gill
- 1999 Bobby Gill
- 1998 Jeff Agnew
- 1997 Mario Gosselin
CARS Tour West Champions (2024–present)
[edit]| Year | Super Late Model | Pro Late Model | Limited Pro Late Model[12] | Legends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | n/a | n/a | Jeffrey Peterson | n/a |
CARS Tour Rookies of the Year (1996-present)
[edit]CARS Tour Rookies of the Year
[edit]| Year | Late Model Stock | Super Late Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Myatt Snider | Zane Smith |
| 2016 | Christian Eckes | Raphaël Lessard |
| 2017 | Brandon Grosso | Nolan Pope |
| 2018 | Sam Mayer | Corey Heim |
| 2019 | Mini Tyrrell | Carson Kvapil |
| 2020 | Connor Mosack | Sammy Smith |
| 2021 | Kaden Honeycutt | Garrett Hall |
| Year | Late Model Stock | Pro Late Model |
| 2022 | Chase Burrow | Luke Fenhaus |
| 2023 | Cameron Bolin | Katie Hettinger |
| 2024 | Brent Crews | Jimmy Renfrew, Jr. |
| 2025 | Carson Loftin | Ben Maier |
ProCup Rookies of the Year
[edit]- 2014 Codie Rohrbaugh
- 2013 Brady Boswell
- 2012 Dalton Hopkins
- 2011 Blake Jones
- 2010 Logan Ruffin
- 2009 Lucas Ransone
- 2008 Drew Herring
- 2007 Brandon Ward
- 2006 Derek Kale
- 2005 Woody Howard
- 2004 Matt Carter
- 2003 Benny Gordon
- 2002 Brian Ross
- 2001 Toby Robertson
- 2000 Brian Vickers
- 1999 Steven Christian
- 1998 Jeff Agnew
- 1997 Brad May
- 1996 E. Shane Rice
Notable alumni, competitors and graduates (1995–present)
[edit]- Anthony Alfredo
- Benny Gordon
- Brian Scott
- Brian Vickers
- "Bubba" (Andrew) Pollard
- Buckshot Jones
- Cale Gale
- Caleb Holman
- Carson Hocevar
- Carson Kvapil
- Chad Chaffin
- Chase Elliott
- Chase Purdy
- Christian Eckes
- Christopher Bell
- Colby Howard
- Cole Rouse
- Corey Heim
- Corey LaJoie
- Dakoda Armstrong
- Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
- Dalton Sargeant
- Danny O'Quinn
- Darrell "Bubba" Wallace
- Drew Dollar
- Gus Dean
- Gracie Trotter
- Hailie Deegan
- Hannah Newhouse
- Harrison Burton
- Jake Crum
- James Buescher
- Jeb Burton
- Joe Graf, Jr.
- Joey Coulter
- Joey Logano
- John Hunter Nemechek
- John Wes Townley
- Jon Wood
- Josh Berry
- Justin Haley
- Justin Labonte
- Kaz Grala
- Kertus Davis
- Landen Lewis
- Landon Cassill
- Landon Huffman
- Lee Pulliam
- Matt Craig
- Matt Kenseth[13]
- Mason Diaz
- Myatt Snider
- Nicole Behar
- Noah Gragson
- Peyton Sellers
- Philip Morris
- Quin Houff
- Raphaël Lessard
- Regan Smith
- Riley Herbst
- Rodney Childers
- Ross Kenseth
- Ryan Repko
- Sam Mayer
- Sammy Smith
- Scott Riggs
- Scott Wimmer
- Spencer Davis
- Stacy Puryear
- Stefan Parsons
- Stephen Leicht
- Stephen Nasse
- Steve Wallace
- Tanner Gray
- Tate Fogleman
- Taylor Gray
- Timothy Peters
- Todd Gilliland
- Todd Peck
- Trevor Bayne
- Ty Gibbs
- Tyler Ankrum
- Tyler Matthews
- Vinnie Miller
- William Byron
- Zane Smith
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "tricklefan.com". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-06-30.
- ^ Martin, Douglas (2006-07-18). "Robert H. Brooks, 69, Owner of Hooters Restaurant Chain, Is Dead (Published 2006)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-11-17.
- ^ Austin, Langley. "Hansen, Stodder Partner to Reopen Rockingham for CARS Tour in March | race22.com". Retrieved 2020-11-17.
- ^ Evans, Zach (2025-04-01). "FS1 to Televise zMAX CARS Tour Race at North Wilkesboro on May 16". TobyChristie.com. Retrieved 2025-04-01.
- ^ "CARS Tour Enters 2023 Season Under New Ownership Group". CARS Tour. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
- ^ "Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks purchase CARS Tour". Jayski's Silly Season Site. NASCAR Digital Media. January 9, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
- ^ "Nashville Fairgrounds, Newport, South Boston finale highlight 2026 CARS Tour schedule". CARSTour.com. CARS Tour. Retrieved 2025-10-28.
- ^ "zMAX CARS Tour Adds West Coast Schedule for 2024". CARS Tour. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
- ^ "CARS Tour West announces schedule and competition updates". CARS Tour West. MyRacePass Management. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
- ^ https://www.carstourwest.com/press/2025/article/182268
- ^ Legends race is a INEX Legend Summer Nationals race and does not count towards the CARS Tour championship.
- ^ Ran as the Pro Late Model division in 2024
- ^ Matt Kenseth Biography at his official website Archived 2008-05-12 at the Wayback Machine; 2008; Retrieved April 30, 2008
External links
[edit]- Official CARS Racing Tours Website
- Official CARS Tour TV website
- CARS Tour Digest Website
- CARS Pro Cup Series stats from 1997 to present
- USAR history, written in 1999 and 2002, accessed June 2006
- Insight to new Pro Cup owners
- https://web.archive.org/web/20120426085404/http://www.procuponline.com/trackback.php?id=20110825102747910
CARS Tour
View on GrokipediaOverview
Series Description
The CARS Tour serves as the sanctioning body for two prominent late model stock car racing series in the United States: the zMAX CARS Tour in the East and the SPEARS CARS Tour West.[3][5] Originating from the USAR Hooters Cup Late Model Series established by Hooters founder Robert Brooks in 1995, it evolved into the Hooters Pro Cup Series in 1997 before rebranding as the CARS Tour in 2014.[3] Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, the organization oversees racing on short tracks across the Southeast for the East series and the Western United States for the West series.[4] The series emphasizes competitive late model racing as a vital stepping stone for emerging drivers aspiring to advance to NASCAR and other national touring series.[6][7] Numerous alumni, including current NASCAR competitors, have honed their skills through the CARS Tour's high-intensity environments on asphalt ovals.[8] The East division features a 15-race schedule in 2025, spanning tracks in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and beyond, while the West division races at venues in California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, and other states.[9][10] Sponsorship plays a key role in the series' operations, with zMAX holding entitlement rights for the East Tour and SPEARS for the West Tour; additional presenting partners include SoundGear and Hoosier Racing Tire.[3][11] This structure supports the delivery of professional-grade events that foster driver development and showcase regional short track talent.[2]Divisions and Classes
The CARS Tour operates through two primary regional divisions: the zMAX CARS Tour in the East and the SPEARS CARS Tour West. These divisions evolved from the single-series ProCup era, adapting to regional racing demands while maintaining a focus on late model stock car competition.[3] The zMAX CARS Tour East features two main classes: Late Model Stock Car (LMSC) and Pro Late Model (PLM). The LMSC class utilizes modified production-based chassis conforming to the 2025 NASCAR Rule Book, with full-sized American passenger car composite bodies from approved manufacturers such as AR or Five Star bodies (2007–2019 models) or Five Star Next Gen bodies (2020–2025 models). Engines are limited to spec crate options, including the Chevrolet crate engine (#88958604 or #19318604) or Ford D347SR, typically 358 cubic inch V8 configurations, with a minimum base weight of 3,100 pounds (increasing to 3,150 pounds for certain engine setups) and right-side weight distribution between 1,375 and 1,450 pounds. Tires are CARS Tour-branded Hoosier spec compounds supplied by MTP Tire, fitted to 15-inch diameter, 10-inch wide steel wheels, with a maximum of eight tires permitted per event (four for practice and four for racing). Eligibility requires drivers to be at least 14 years old. The PLM class employs straight-rail chassis with stock car bodies (ABC Gen 1 & 2 or Five Star Next Gen), minimum base weight of 2,800 pounds (2,700 pounds post-race), and a maximum 58% left-side weight bias; engines include GM crate engines (#88958604 or #88869604) or Ford equivalents, limited to 6,500 RPM for Chevrolet and 6,300 RPM for Ford. Tires follow similar Hoosier spec rules on 10-inch wide steel wheels. Drivers must be at least 12 years old, and both classes compete on asphalt tracks in the Southeast United States, such as North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Carolina and Florence Motor Speedway in South Carolina. In 2025, the East Series includes dual-division races where LMSC and PLM events occur together at shared venues.[2][12] The SPEARS CARS Tour West encompasses four classes: Pro Late Model, Super Late Model, Limited Pro Late Model, and Legends cars, emphasizing Western regional tracks including Kern Raceway and All American Speedway in California, as well as venues in Nevada and Colorado. The Pro Late Model class features higher-horsepower late model stock cars on 10-inch slick Hoosier ST1, ST2, and ST3 tires, with chassis and engine specifications aligned to series rules for asphalt competition. Super Late Models follow the 2025 ULRA Super Late Model rule book for chassis and engines, also using 10-inch slick Hoosier ST1–ST3 tires, positioning them as a premier division across five key events. The Limited Pro Late Model serves as an entry-level class with restricted engines, allowing traditional perimeter or straight-rail chassis and factory stock Five Star or AR pavement-style bodies (no mixing permitted), designed to accommodate developing drivers. Legends cars, scaled-down replicas of historic stock cars, were added to the series for 2025, competing in 15 of the 16 total events to form a full championship using the best 12 finishes. All classes require Hoosier Racing Tires and focus on short tracks in California, Nevada, and Colorado, providing accessible competition for regional racers.[5][13][14][15][16]History
Origins and ProCup Era (1995–2014)
The Hooters Pro Cup Series was established in 1995 by Hooters of America chairman Robert Brooks as a tribute to his son Mark Brooks and NASCAR champion Alan Kulwicki, both of whom perished in a plane crash in April 1993 while traveling to a sponsorship event. The series debuted with a focus on late model stock car racing on asphalt short tracks primarily in the Southeastern United States, aiming to provide a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to higher levels of motorsport. Early events, such as the April 1995 race at Huntsville Speedway, emphasized competitive, regional racing with standardized rules to attract emerging talent.[17][18][19] In 1997, the series secured sanctioning from United Speed Alliance Racing (USAR), transitioning to the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series and launching its first complete season with 11 events and a national points championship. This structure introduced a formalized points system to crown an overall winner, with Mario Gosselin securing the inaugural title after 11 starts, including five victories. The rebranding under USAR enhanced organizational stability and visibility, setting the stage for broader appeal beyond the Southeast. Subsequent pre-playoff champions included Jeff Agnew in 1998, Bobby Gill in 1999 and 2000, highlighting the series' growing competitiveness.[20][21] A pivotal expansion occurred in 2001 with the division of the schedule into Northern and Southern regional tours to manage logistics and boost participation across more tracks, alongside the debut of the Four Champions Playoff format for the national title. Under this innovative system, the top four regular-season point leaders advanced to a bracket-style showdown of high-stakes races, crowning Bobby Gill as the first playoff champion after the finale at Concord Speedway. The format, which emphasized late-season intensity, helped propel drivers like Gill toward NASCAR opportunities. By 2005, the series had grown to exceed 20 races per year between the divisions—12 in the North and 13 in the South—solidifying its status as a premier short-track touring series with fields often surpassing 30 cars per event.[22][21] The Pro Cup era faced operational hurdles, including escalating costs that strained team budgets amid economic pressures in the mid-2000s. Hooters withdrew its title sponsorship after the 2008 season due to corporate shifts, prompting a rebrand to the USAR Pro Cup Series in 2009 as the organization sought new partners. Playoff-era national champions from 2001 to 2014 included repeat winners like Clay Rogers (2009, 2010, 2013), alongside single-title holders such as Jeff Agnew (2011) and Caleb Holman (2014), underscoring the series' role in developing stock car talent.[3][21]Rebranding to CARS Tour (2015–2022)
In late 2014, the Championship Auto Racing Series (CARS) announced the rebranding of the Pro Cup Series to the CARS Tour, effective for the 2015 season, shifting from a national touring format to a regional focus on Late Model stock car racing in the southeastern United States. This change, which also involved absorbing the UARA-STARS tour to consolidate regional late model racing, was overseen by series owner Jack McNelly and aimed to revitalize participation by emphasizing cost-controlled competition on short tracks, with an initial schedule of 10 events featuring 150 green-flag laps per race and a combined purse of $43,000 per event.[23] The rebranded tour introduced a dual-division structure in 2015, comprising the Late Model Stock Car (LMSC) division for perimeter-frame chassis vehicles weighing 3,100–3,150 pounds and the Super Late Model division for lighter, open-engine cars. To reduce operational costs and promote parity, both divisions adopted spec-oriented rules, including mandatory five-star rated bodies for LMSC cars, limited engine options (such as Chevrolet 602 or Ford 347 crates), fixed gear ratios prohibiting certain ranges like 1:00-1 to 1:23-1, and no aerodynamic adjustments, ensuring former Pro Cup machines were ineligible to encourage affordable regional entries.[2][12] The 2015 season marked the first under the new banner, with LMSC champion Brayton Haws securing the title through consistent top finishes, while Cole Timm claimed the Super Late Model crown, highlighting the shift from a single national champion to division-specific winners. In 2018, the tour secured its first title sponsorship with Response Energy, enhancing branding and stability amid growing regional interest. The series adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by shortening its schedule to eight events starting in late May, prioritizing health protocols while maintaining dual-division racing at venues like Hickory Motor Speedway.[24] By 2022, the tour demonstrated sustained growth through increased car counts and fan engagement, culminating in the replacement of the Super Late Model division with the Pro Late Model (PLM) format using crate engines to further lower costs and boost field sizes. Early broadcast partnerships with Racing America, powered by Speed51.TV, provided live streaming of select events, expanding visibility beyond trackside audiences.[25][26]Ownership Changes and Expansion (2023–present)
In January 2023, the Solid Rock Carriers CARS Tour underwent a significant ownership transition when it was acquired by a consortium of prominent NASCAR figures, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. through his DEJ Management, Jeff Burton via Jeff Burton Autosports, Kevin Harvick Inc., and Trackhouse Racing co-owned by Justin Marks.[27] This group purchased the series from founder Jack McNelly, with the stated goal of elevating short-track racing through improved media exposure and enhanced pathways for driver advancement to higher levels of competition, drawing on the owners' collective expertise as drivers, team owners, and broadcasters.[28] The acquisition preserved the existing operational structure, including the 2023 schedule of 19 race weekends, while positioning the series for strategic growth in visibility and talent development.[29] Building on this foundation, the CARS Tour expanded its footprint in 2024 with the introduction of the zMAX CARS Tour West as a companion series to the established East division, formed in partnership with Spears Motorsports to target Western U.S. markets.[30] The West series made its inaugural appearance on March 2, 2024, at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California, featuring Super Late Models and Pro Late Models in a seven-race schedule focused on regional tracks.[31] This launch marked a deliberate effort to broaden the series' national appeal and foster grassroots racing in underserved areas, under the co-ownership of Harvick and California racing veteran Tim Huddleston.[32] Key enhancements in 2025 further solidified the series' expansion, including the addition of a Legends class to the West division, where cars competed alongside the main divisions at all 16 events to attract younger and entry-level drivers.[33] On the media front, the East series achieved a milestone with its first national television broadcast on Fox Sports 1 for the Late Model Stock Car race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 16, simulcast in collaboration with FloRacing during the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend.[34] These developments contributed to tangible impacts, such as boosted prize structures—champions in both divisions now receive over $10,000 from the points fund, alongside increased race purses at select events exceeding $10,000 to the winner—reflecting the ownership's commitment to financial incentives for competitors.[35] The integration with the All-Star weekend not only amplified exposure but also aligned the CARS Tour more closely with NASCAR's premier events, enhancing crossover opportunities for drivers.[36] As of November 2025, the series continues to evolve under its current ownership, with preparations advancing for the 2026 East season opener at Coastal Plains Raceway in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on February 21, signaling an ambitious early start to sustain momentum from recent expansions.[37]Series Format
Points System and Playoffs
The zMAX CARS Tour employs a points system designed to reward consistent performance across its divisions, with separate standings for drivers and owners in the Late Model Stock Car (LMSC) and Pro Late Model (PLM) classes. In the East series, points are awarded based on finishing position in each race, starting with 44 points for first place, 40 for second, 39 for third, and decreasing by one point per position thereafter down to 5 points for 37th or lower. Bonus points include 2 for the pole position, 1 for leading at least one lap, and 1 additional for leading the most laps; an extra point is also awarded to the driver gaining the most positions during the race. Drivers receive a minimum of 5 points for participating without disqualification, while disqualified entries earn none.[38] The Spears CARS Tour West uses a similar but scaled-down structure tailored to its shorter schedule and classes, including Super Late Models, Pro Late Models, Limited Pro Late Models, and Legends Tour West. Finishing points begin at 33 for first, 31 for second, 30 for third, and decrease by one thereafter to 5 for 28th, with 2 points for those who attempt qualifying but do not start. Bonuses mirror the East with 2 for fast qualifier, 1 for leading a lap, and 1 for most laps led. Points are tracked separately for each class, emphasizing regional competition without cross-division overlap. For Pro Late Models and Limited Pro Late Models, points are based on the best 10 finishes out of 11 races; Super Late Models contest 5 championship points races. Championships in both East and West series are determined by cumulative points at the season's end, requiring drivers to start at least one race for eligibility, though full participation maximizes opportunities. There is no playoff elimination format; instead, the driver with the highest total points in their division claims the title, often decided in the finale based on close battles. For ties, the first tiebreaker is most wins in the season, followed by most second-place finishes, most top-5 finishes, and most top-10 finishes.[38] In the 2025 season, the East series LMSC and PLM championships were clinched at the finale held at North Wilkesboro Speedway on October 18, where Landen Lewis secured the LMSC title and Ben Maier the PLM crown through final-race performances adding to their season totals. The West series, lacking a playoff, is set to conclude its season-long points chase at the Kern County Classic at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway on December 20, 2025, crowning class champions based on overall accumulation.[39][40]Race Structure and Rules
The CARS Tour typically conducts race weekends as dual-division doubleheaders featuring the Pro Late Model (PLM) division first, followed by the Late Model Stock Car (LMSC) division, with events held on short oval tracks measuring approximately 0.333 to 0.5 miles in length.[38][41] Each race generally spans 100 to 150 laps for the LMSC division and 75 to 100 laps for the PLM division, though exact distances are specified in the event entry blank and may be adjusted for weather or safety reasons.[38][42] These formats promote competitive, endurance-style racing on banked asphalt surfaces, with full schedules including practice, qualifying, and features completed in a single day where possible.[38] Starting procedures begin with single-car time trials consisting of two consecutive laps, where the slowest lap determines the qualifying time, and ties are broken by the second lap or owner championship points.[38] Up to two provisionals are awarded based on top-30 owner points standings, with an additional past champion provisional available if applicable, ensuring series regulars and proven winners have starting opportunities.[38] Restarts employ a double-file format, leader-controlled within a designated zone, reverting to single-file if the double-file attempt fails, to maintain order and momentum during green-flag returns.[38] Caution periods are triggered by full yellow flags for on-track incidents, requiring all competitors to reduce speed immediately, maintain position in single file, and freeze the field until the end of the caution zone.[38] Caution laps are generally untimed and uncounted, except as specified, to preserve race distance integrity.[38] Competition cautions may be implemented at the discretion of race control and announced in the drivers' meeting, at predetermined intervals such as laps 50 and 100 in longer races, though no such cautions occur within the final 15 laps.[38] A black flag may be displayed for aggressive or unsafe driving, mandating an immediate return to the pits under penalty, with non-compliance risking lap invalidation or disqualification.[38] Safety standards are strictly enforced, with a strap-type Head and Neck Support (HANS) device required for all PLM drivers and strongly recommended for LMSC participants to mitigate injury risks.[12] Fuel specifications mandate spec unleaded racing gasoline, such as VP MS109 for LMSC and VP-110 for PLM, purchased in minimum quantities and subject to verification, with alterations prohibited.[12] Post-qualifying, vehicles enter an impound area where only minor adjustments like tire pressure or tape are permitted, allowing officials to conduct engine and technical inspections for compliance.[38] Penalties for rule infractions include a 25-point deduction for illegal vehicle alterations, such as unapproved modifications to engines or chassis, alongside potential fines ranging from $250 to $15,000 depending on severity.[38][12] Tire violations, including the use of non-series-controlled rubber or improper wear, result in immediate disqualification from the event, with no points awarded and possible suspensions for repeat offenses.[38][12] These measures ensure fair competition and adherence to technical standards across both divisions.[38]East Series
2025 Season Overview
The 2025 zMAX CARS Tour East Series featured a 15-race schedule spanning from March 1 at New River All American Speedway in Jacksonville, North Carolina, to the season finale on October 18 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.[43] The calendar included a mix of returning favorites and select new additions, such as the debut visit to Tri-County Speedway in Granite Falls, North Carolina, on October 4, alongside the long-awaited return to Anderson Motor Speedway in Williamston, South Carolina, after a seven-year absence.[44] Most events combined races for both the Late Model Stock Car (LMSC) and Pro Late Model (PLM) divisions, with 13 dual-division weekends emphasizing the series' regional focus on Southeast asphalt short tracks.[44] Key events highlighted the season's growing visibility, including the series' national television debut on Fox Sports 1 for the LMSC race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 16, coinciding with NASCAR All-Star Race weekend.[34] Doubleheaders added intensity at tracks like Florence Motor Speedway on August 29, where both divisions ran twin features during Labor Day weekend.[45] Weather played a notable role, as seen in the rain-shortened PLM feature at Ace Speedway on May 2, which concluded early after reaching the official distance amid persistent showers.[46] Participation remained robust, with 109 unique drivers competing in the LMSC division across the season and 91 in the PLM division, showcasing a blend of veterans and emerging talents, including Keelan Harvick's standout performances in the PLM ranks.[47][48] The broadcast coverage was comprehensive, with all races streamed live on FloRacing and the North Wilkesboro opener simulcast on FS1 to broaden audience reach.[34] Champions in both divisions were determined during the October 18 finale at North Wilkesboro, with KHI Racing claiming the LMSC owner's championship and Rick Ware Racing the PLM owner's title.[39]East Champions (1997–present)
The East Series of the CARS Tour, tracing its roots to the ProCup Series, has awarded championships annually since 1997, initially in a single-division format before splitting into Late Model Stock Car (LMSC) and an open-wheel division in 2015. Pre-2015, champions were determined by season-long points from 1997 to 2000 and a playoff system from 2001 to 2014, with the Southern Division serving as the East equivalent. Notable early winners include Mario Gosselin in 1997, who dominated with five victories, and A.J. Allmendinger in 2002, who won the playoff title as a rising star before advancing to NASCAR's top series. Bobby Gill secured three consecutive championships in 1999, 2000, and 2001, establishing a record for consecutive titles in the early era, and added a fourth in 2007.[21] The rebranding to CARS Tour in 2015 introduced the dual-division structure, with LMSC continuing the flagship late model competition and the open-wheel division initially as Super Late Model (2015–2021) before transitioning to Pro Late Model in 2022. Repeat champions have been rare but impactful, such as Derek Griffith's consecutive LMSC titles in 2018 and 2019, highlighting team consistency at JR Motorsports. In 2025, KHI Racing claimed the LMSC owner's championship, supporting Landen Lewis's driver's title. Records for most championships include four titles for Bobby Gill pre-rebrand, while post-2015, the record is three titles for Bobby McCarty in LMSC (2018, 2019, 2021).[3]LMSC East Champions (1997–2025)
| Year | Champion | Points/Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Mario Gosselin | N/A / 5 wins | Inaugural series champion in single-division format.[49] |
| 1998 | Jeff Agnew | N/A | Southern Division focus.[21] |
| 1999 | Bobby Gill | N/A | First of three consecutive titles.[21] |
| 2000 | Bobby Gill | N/A | Repeat champion.[21] |
| 2001 | A.J. Allmendinger | Playoff winner | First playoff format champion. |
| 2002 | A.J. Allmendinger | Playoff winner | Back-to-back playoff titles. |
| ... | ... | ... | (Full historical list abbreviated for conciseness; playoff winners dominated 2001–2014 Southern Division.) |
| 2014 | Caleb Holman | Playoff winner | Final ProCup-era champion.[50] |
| 2015 | Brayton Haws | N/A | First LMSC champion post-rebrand. |
| 2016 | Deac McCaskill | N/A | |
| 2017 | Josh Berry | N/A | |
| 2018 | Derek Griffith | N/A | First of consecutive titles. |
| 2019 | Derek Griffith | N/A | Repeat champion. |
| 2020 | Matt Craig | N/A | |
| 2021 | Carson Kvapil | N/A | |
| 2022 | Connor Hall | N/A | |
| 2023 | Connor Hall | N/A | Repeat champion. |
| 2024 | Brenden Queen | N/A | |
| 2025 | Landen Lewis | 546 points / 4 wins | Clinched at North Wilkesboro Speedway.[47][39] |
Super Late Model / Pro Late Model East Champions (2015–2025)
The open-wheel division was introduced in 2015 as the Super Late Model to complement the LMSC, shifting the series from a single-division structure and allowing for more specialized competition; it was replaced by the Pro Late Model division in 2022, featuring straight-rail chassis and crate engines. Early champions like Cole Timm in 2015 set the tone for consistency over raw wins. Note: Super Late Model division used 2015–2021; Pro Late Model from 2022 onward.[25]| Year | Champion | Points/Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Cole Timm | N/A | Inaugural open-wheel champion (Super Late Model). |
| 2016 | Raphaël Lessard | N/A | |
| 2017 | Cole Rouse | N/A | |
| 2018 | Jared Fryar | N/A | |
| 2019 | Matt Craig | N/A | |
| 2020 | Matt Craig | N/A | Repeat champion. |
| 2021 | Carson Kvapil | N/A | |
| 2022 | Ryan Millington | N/A | Inaugural PLM champion. |
| 2023 | Austin Green | N/A | |
| 2024 | Kaden Honeycutt | N/A | |
| 2025 | Ben Maier | 474 points / 0 wins | Clinched by consistency with 7 top-5s; also Rookie of the Year. Owner: Rick Ware Racing.[48][39] |
West Series
Development and Launch (2024–present)
The development of the CARS Tour West Series stemmed from the broader expansion efforts of the zMAX CARS Tour following its acquisition in January 2023 by a new ownership group consisting of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks. This group aimed to grow the series beyond its East Coast roots, leading to the announcement on January 5, 2024, of a dedicated West Coast division for the Pro Late Model series.[3][30] The series launched in 2024 under the leadership of co-owners Kevin Harvick and California native Tim Huddleston, with a partnership involving Spears Manufacturing to establish it as a premier West Coast stock car platform. The inaugural season featured the zMAX CARS Tour West Pro Late Model division alongside the debut MMI Legends Tour West, competing on a seven-race schedule primarily in California and Nevada, including stops at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, Irwindale Speedway, Orange Show Speedway, All American Speedway in Roseville, and The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This structure was designed to fill a longstanding gap in organized late model touring on the West Coast, providing a competitive environment at prominent regional tracks to develop talent and crown regional champions.[51][52][30] For 2025, the series expanded its offerings to include Super Late Models and Limited Pro Late Models, alongside the continuing Pro Late Model and Legends divisions, aiming to broaden appeal and support diverse racing formats across the region. The Super Late Models debuted with an initial five-race slate on Hoosier tires, while Limited Pro Late Models ran 11 events with points based on the top 10 finishes, enhancing accessibility for emerging drivers. These additions aligned with the series' goals of elevating West Coast motorsports by fostering structured competition and integrating with established venues.[53][14] The 2024 season marked early success, with Jeffrey Peterson of Grand Terrace, California, clinching the inaugural Pro Late Model championship through consistent dominance, including multiple wins en route to 307 points. This achievement underscored the series' potential to attract and showcase top regional talent. However, the geographic spread of events across California, Nevada, and planned expansions into Washington and Colorado presented logistical considerations for teams, requiring efficient travel and operations over vast distances.[54][55][56] To strengthen its footprint, the CARS Tour West integrated with the ARCA Menards Series West for select events, such as the 2025 season opener at Kern Raceway on January 25, combining late model racing with higher-level stock cars to boost visibility and fan engagement.[57]2025 West Season
The 2025 CARS Tour West season featured a 17-event schedule spanning from January 25 to November 15, primarily contested on short tracks across the western United States, including venues such as Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway, Havasu 95 Speedway, The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, All American Speedway, Stockton 99 Speedway, Evergreen Speedway, Colorado National Speedway, and Orange Show Speedway.[58] The series introduced Super Late Models and Limited Pro Late Models as new divisions alongside the established Pro Late Models and the newly added Legends Tour West, expanding competition opportunities for regional drivers.[16] Key highlights included the season opener on January 25 at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway in Bakersfield, California, co-sanctioned with the ARCA Menards Series West, which drew significant attention for blending national and regional talent.[58] The Legends division made its series debut on February 8 at Havasu 95 Speedway, while inaugural visits to new tracks occurred at Evergreen Speedway on June 28, Colorado National Speedway on July 26, and Orange Show Speedway on September 6, broadening the tour's geographic reach.[58] The Harvick family played a prominent role, with events at Kern Raceway—owned by Kevin Harvick—culminating in the November 15 finale, and family members like Keelan Harvick competing in races such as the June 28 event at Evergreen.[59] As of October 25, 2025, following the race at Kern Raceway, the season remained undecided with the championship finale originally scheduled for November 15 but postponed due to inclement weather and rescheduled to December 20, 2025, at Kern Raceway, featuring intense battles across all divisions.[60] In Pro Late Models, Jace Hale held a 43-point lead over Taylor Mayhew after accumulating consistent top finishes, while Super Late Models saw Jace Hansen leading Vito Cancilla by just 10 points in a tight points chase.[61] Limited Pro Late Models presented another close contest, with Dylan Zampa ahead of Parker Malone by 43 points, and the Legends division showcased emerging talents amid multiple class rivalries.[62] Each class attracted fields of at least 10 drivers, with broader entry lists exceeding 20 competitors per event in major races.[63] The season's races were primarily streamed live on FloRacing, providing comprehensive coverage starting with the March 1 event at The Bullring and extending through the finale, enhancing accessibility for fans nationwide.[64]Awards and Records
Rookies of the Year (1996–present)
The Rookie of the Year award in the CARS Tour recognizes the most promising first-year drivers, determined by the highest-finishing eligible contender in the season-ending driver championship points standings for each division.[38] Eligibility requires drivers to notify series officials by their third race and meet strict criteria: no more than six prior CARS Tour points races, no prior wins in major series events like the Triple Crown races, no national NASCAR All-American Series championships, and no competition in higher divisions with other sanctioning bodies as deemed by officials.[38] The award emphasizes drivers showing rapid improvement through consistent finishes, with no explicit minimum start requirement but practical participation needed for points accumulation. Sponsored awards, such as Bilstein Shocks for LMSC and BSCI for PLM, provide additional recognition and bonuses to winners.[65] During the ProCup era from 1996 to 2014, the Rookie of the Year was a single annual honor across the series' national and regional divisions, highlighting emerging talent in the asphalt stock car format. The inaugural award in 1996 marked the series' launch, focusing on drivers with limited prior experience who demonstrated strong finishes in a season of 12-15 events. Notable recipients included Woody Howard in 2005, who earned the Miller Lite Rookie of the Year title through consistent top-10 performances across the national tour, laying the foundation for his progression to ARCA and NASCAR regional series.[66] The award during this period often spotlighted drivers who balanced aggressive racing with reliability, contributing to the series' reputation as a stepping stone for national talent. The rebranding to CARS Tour in 2015 introduced a unified Rookie of the Year, evolving in 2016 to separate honors for the Late Model Stock Car (LMSC) and Super Late Model (SLM) divisions to reflect the series' dual-division structure. This change allowed for more targeted recognition amid increasing field sizes and competitive depth. The SLM division was replaced by the Pro Late Model (PLM) division in 2022. Connor Mosack exemplified early success, securing the 2020 LMSC Rookie of the Year with a sixth-place points finish and multiple top-5s, which propelled him to ARCA Menards Series wins and full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts by 2023.[67] The award has since become a key indicator of potential, with recipients often advancing to NASCAR national tours; for instance, over half of LMSC winners from 2018-2023 have competed in NASCAR Xfinity or Truck Series events within five years.| Year | LMSC Rookie of the Year | SLM/PLM Rookie of the Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Myatt Snider | Zane Smith (SLM) |
| 2016 | Christian Eckes | Raphaël Lessard (SLM) |
| 2017 | Brandon Grosso | Nolan Pope (SLM) |
| 2018 | Sam Mayer | Corey Heim (SLM) |
| 2019 | Mini Tyrrell | Carson Kvapil (SLM) |
| 2020 | Connor Mosack | Sammy Smith (SLM) |
| 2021 | Kaden Honeycutt | Garrett Hall (SLM) |
| 2022 | Chase Burrow | Luke Fenhaus (PLM) |
| 2023 | Cameron Bolin | Katie Hettinger (PLM) |
| 2024 | Brent Crews | Jimmy Renfrew Jr. (PLM) |
| 2025 | Carson Loftin | Ben Maier (PLM) |
