A pair of pro late model and late model stock CARS Tour races that were postponed due to weather, which were initially set for May during the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend, will now take place Saturday night at the track.
The 42-car lineup for the 125-lap late model stock feature is almost half-populated with current or former NASCAR drivers.
Notable entries for the race feature former Cup champion and current TV analyst Kevin Harvick, active Cup Series driver Josh Berry, Xfinity Series competitors Brandon Jones and Sammy Smith, and Truck Series rookie Layne Riggs.
Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing, Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang
Photo by: Gavin Baker / NKP / Motorsport Images
These drivers will compete against some of the top contenders in the CARS Tour, which include Connor Hall, Brent Crews, and Brenden “Butterbean” Queen.
With only six events left in the LMS division before the season finale on October 19 at North Wilkesboro, Hall currently leads the standings ahead of Crews and last year’s winner, Queen.
“I try not to dwell on it, but it’s nice to see renowned names in the Late Model race. Winning last year and beating them felt really special,” Queen remarked.
“We go there, put on our helmets, and do our job. Competing against the best is what we love. To be the best, you need to beat the best. Their participation shines a brighter light on our series.”
Brenden Queen, TRICON Garage, Best Repair Company Toyota Tundra
Photo by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images
Last year, a group of four former NASCAR drivers – Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Harvick, and Justin Marks – collaborated to acquire the CARS Tour.
Harvick, who also owns a team actively competing in the series, mentioned his intent to focus on racing primarily “for fun.” He has one more late model event planned for this season.
“Of course, we aim to perform our best, but regardless of whether I place first or last, as long as I’m part of the event, having fun and learning about the series from my competitors is what matters to me,” Harvick shared.
“I want to enjoy the experience and interact with the guys who organize these exciting races every week.”
Additional Notable Drivers
Other drivers with NASCAR backgrounds entering the late model race include Carson Kvapil, Kaden Honeycutt, Connor Mosack, Connor Jones, Connor Zilisch, and Tate Fogleman.
Hall, currently leading the CARS Tour LMS series, is set to make his Truck Series debut on August 10 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, driving the No. 91 Chevrolet for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing.
