Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s connection to the CARS Tour runs deep, stemming from his passion for grassroots racing and his commitment to preserving its legacy. As co-owner of the series alongside NASCAR legends Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks, Earnhardt Jr. has worked tirelessly to elevate the CARS Tour’s profile since acquiring it in 2023. His involvement has brought renewed attention to Late Model Stock racing, with top-tier drivers and competitive events drawing fans across the Southeast.
This week, he found himself in the heart of Georgia at Cordele Motor Speedway, a place that had him both impressed and scratching his head. As the CARS Tour continues to evolve, so does its cast of characters and the tracks they visit. Dale Jr. seemed thrilled to be there and was dumbfounded by the features of Cordele Motor Speedway, giving it high praise.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. enthralled by Cordele Motor Speedway’s unique challenges
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently expressed his enthusiasm for Cordele Motor Speedway, highlighting its distinctive characteristics. He remarked, “Great racetrack. The track’s really awesome!.. The shape of the track, driveability is really good.” Cordele Motor Speedway, formerly known as Crisp Motorsports Park, is a 3/8-mile, medium-banked, high-speed, D-shaped asphalt oval track located in Cordele, Georgia. Cordele has undergone significant renovations under new ownership, enhancing its appeal to drivers and fans alike.
Dale Jr. also noted the track’s progressive banking, stating, “It’s a little technical but good race track and got a little progressive banking in the corner, flat on the bottom groove, little more banking up the race track.” This design allows for multiple racing lines, promoting competitive side-by-side racing. The recent improvements to the facility have been aimed at creating a state-of-the-art speedway that offers both challenges and excitement for drivers. However, when talking about how unique the track is, Matt Weaver cited comparisons to Florence Motor Speedway, which Jr. was not in complete agreement with.
Dale Jr. observed, “I do know that the things you want to do at Florence – to have a good race car – are the same things here. [However] The track doesn’t drive the same. There’s tons of banking on the straightaway here versus Florence.” Florence Motor Speedway, known for its flat corners, presents different challenges, yet the setup strategies appear to be transferable. And who would know Florence better than Dale Jr.? The legend recently revived his red Budweiser #8 at the track in 2024.
Despite the parallels, Earnhardt Jr. emphasized the uniqueness of Cordele. Dale Jr. stated, “People might say it’s like Florence, but I don’t know if I have ever been to a racetrack like this… It’s like an old [North] Wilkesboro.” The combination of the track’s shape, banking, and recent enhancements contributes to a distinctive racing experience that stands apart from other venues.
Dale Earnhardt Jr is excited about the plan coming together at Cordele, a big week of CARS Tour news between FS1-Wilkesboro and the Throwback Classic purse increase, and his chances tomorrow night in the race. pic.twitter.com/PCvkhvD70J
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) April 11, 2025
The inclusion of Cordele Motor Speedway in the zMAX CARS Tour schedule marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time the series will venture into Georgia. Earnhardt Jr. expressed excitement about this development, noting the enthusiasm of local fans and the anticipation surrounding the event. The collaboration between the track’s new management and the CARS Tour aims to deliver a memorable experience for both drivers and spectators.
Dale Jr. elevates CARS Tour with $200,000 prize money
Dale Earnhardt Jr., alongside co-owners Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks, is set to revolutionize grassroots racing with the announcement of the Throwback Classic at Hickory Motor Speedway. Scheduled for August 2, this event promises to be the “biggest single night in pavement late model racing history,” offering over $200,000 in prize money. The Late Model Stock winner will receive $50,000, while the Pro Late Model champion will take home $30,000.
This substantial purse is a significant departure from the typical low four-figure winnings common in grassroots racing. Earnhardt Jr. emphasized the importance of raising the financial stakes to make the sport more enticing for drivers and teams. “We have a lot of work still to do to try to continue to create and allow the opportunities to sustain themselves,” he said. “We don’t want this race to come and go. We want stuff like this to start becoming the norm.”
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from the racing community. Doug Barnes Jr. expressed his amazement, stating, “First the FOX Sports 1 deal and now a $50k to win race and who knows what else they’re cooking.” Connor Hall added, “It used to be every race was $7,000 to win and now a majority of them is $10,000 and now we have a $50,000.” Aside from adding to the purse, the CARS Tour has also teamed up with NASCAR and IndyCar broadcaster FOX Sports to cover their race during the All-Star weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway!
Dale Jr. and his co-owners are not only honoring the rich history of short-track racing but also paving the way for a more prosperous future. By increasing prize money and exposure, they aim to make grassroots racing a more viable and attractive option for aspiring drivers.
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