What makes a great season opener? Is it a statement win? A history-making performance? Or maybe it’s the promise of something even bigger waiting just around the corner? The 2025 CARS Tour season opening at New River All-American Speedway was a perfect fit for JR Motorsports. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team had the night, with Jade Avedisian making history with her first Pro Late Model victory and Connor Hall showcasing his prowess in Late Model Stocks.
Even though JRM’s up-and-coming talents were the center of attention, Dale Jr. gave fans the moment they had been waiting for as the festivities came to an end and the excitement of an exciting opening night sunk in. What will he do next? Let’s just say that the 2025 season has just begun.
Dale Jr. sets his sights on Cordele
JR Motorsports performed admirably in the 2025 CARS Tour season opener if it was a test of their grit. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s squad made a strong statement to start the season at New River All-American Speedway, thanks to outstanding performances from Connor Hall and Jade Avedisian. Hall continued exactly where he left off, winning the main event. Avedisian, meanwhile, became the first female driver to win a CARS Tour event when she won her first Pro Late Model race. There was no doubting her pace and racecraft throughout the evening, even though she won after TJ DeCaire was disqualified after the race.
Dale Jr. was incredibly chuffed with his team’s performance, and sharing his thoughts in a video on X, he said, “Great win in the pro late models by Jade Avedisian and Connor Hall with Jr Motorsports taking the win in the late model stocks a smooth weekend you know the races were exciting… Awesome weekend, good racing. Wish I was out there on the track, but I will be in a month from now at Cordele. The CARS tour goes to Cordele on April 12th, we go to Wake County before that for a great racetrack and a great little race there. So just awesome to get the season started.”
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., the night was about what would happen next, not simply about seeing his team win. Dale Jr. will be back in the car very soon when the CARS Tour is in the spotlight at Cordele Motor Speedway. He was focused on the season opener, enjoying the racing, but he made it apparent that he wasn’t happy to just watch. Dale Jr. last raced at Florence Motor Speedway toward the end of 2024, reprising his Budweiser #8 to the joy of his fans. Now, he takes on a racetrack that is ready to see new life.
𝑫𝒂𝒍𝒆’𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 @DaleJr breaks down Saturday’s @CARSTour season-opener at @newriverswy pic.twitter.com/Bsg0pLsBCm
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) March 3, 2025
The event, which is scheduled for April 12 at Cordele Motor Speedway, is a first for the series. In addition to being the CARS Tour’s first stop in Georgia, it also marks Earnhardt Jr.’s return to the driver’s seat in a short-track environment that he enjoys. With major upgrades under new management, Cordele Motor Speedway is a suitable venue for Earnhardt Jr.’s comeback. His involvement is making the race one of the season’s most anticipated events, and the 3/8-mile track is predicted to provide the field with new obstacles.
Now, with his much-anticipated comeback to the track only a few weeks away, a crucial issue still stands: Will JRM’s supremacy hold once Dale Jr. takes the wheel? It won’t take long for fans to find out.
Cordele’s new chapter: A perfect stage for Dale Jr.’s return
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s comeback to the CARS Tour is the ideal way to mark the opening of a new chapter in Cordele Motor Speedway’s illustrious history. Under new management, the Georgia short track—formerly known as Crisp Motorsports Park—has seen significant modifications. When Greg and Lori Noland took over the property in early 2024, they made improvements such as a new pit area, a redesigned track surface, and plans for more fan facilities like a new restaurant and an RV park.
For Dale Jr., this is more than simply a race; it’s a chance to boost enthusiasm and awareness for a track that is becoming more popular. “Fans in the area have expressed excitement about this race being added to the schedule, our teams are looking forward to this new challenge. I’m thrilled to add it to the short list of events I’ll be racing in next year,” Earnhardt Jr. said. The enthusiasm is shared by Cordele’s new management. “We’ve completely remodeled the track. It’s a lot nicer than it was prior, and everyone says they love it,” said track owner Greg Noland.
“My son used to drive on [Cordele] all the time, so I wanted to keep [this place running], especially since it’s one of the last circle tracks in Georgia. The race track and area needs some energy the CARS Tour can bring. I think the CARS Tour will bring more people [to Cordele], and hopefully, they’ll stay as customers throughout the year,” General Manager Ricky Brooks added.
With Dale Jr. contributing his star power and Cordele Motor Speedway receiving a new lease on life, this event has all the makings of a historic short-track racing event. So make sure not to miss out on seeing Dale Earnhardt Jr. back in action in just over a month! What are your expectations from the veteran at Cordele? Let us know in the comments below!
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