August 31, 2022:  at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (HHP/Chris Owens)
The CARS Tour field sits on the grid at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway. (HHP/Chris Owens photo)

CARS Tour Gains zMAX As Title Sponsor, Reveals Schedule

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Things just keep getting bigger and better for the CARS Tour Late Model Series as it embarks on its 10th season of competition as the Southeast’s premier asphalt late model series.

Today, the CARS Tour ownership group, comprised of motorsports icons Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks, announced the addition of zMAX as the series’ new title sponsor for the upcoming season and beyond.

The group also rolled out next year’s zMAX CARS Tour schedule and confirmed the renewal of FloRacing as its official streaming partner for all 19 events.

“This year we committed ourselves to helping grow an already-established CARS Tour, and regional asphalt racing as a whole,” said Harvick. “Having the opportunity to bring on a respected brand and partner like zMAX does so much for the health and professionalism of the zMAX CARS Tour.”

Produced in Harrisburg, N.C., zMAX Micro-lubricant is used in thousands of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, outdoor equipment, airplanes and firearms to reduce carbon buildup, lubricate vital parts and extend engine life. 

“A zMAX partnership with the CARS Tour is a grassroots commitment to building future competitors and fans in motorsports,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. “I’d like to thank Dale, Kevin, Jeff and Justin for this opportunity. We look forward to marketing zMAX from the garage to the grandstands and we’re thrilled to see the CARS Tour returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2024.”

In addition, the newly-minted zMAX CARS Tour released its season schedule, which kicks off at Southern National Motorsports Park (Kenly, N.C.) on March 2, with pro late models, the first of its two divisions. The late model stock car division will begin its season at the same track one week later on March 9.

“There is a lot to unpack and a lot to be excited about this season – two trips to North Wilkesboro and adding Orange County to the schedule,” said Earnhardt. “It’s going to be tough competition for the drivers and a great show for our fans in the stands, and for those watching on FloRacing. Our partnership with FloRacing has helped tremendously in building exposure and excitement around the zMAX CARS Tour. I’m looking forward to continuing that.”

Highlighting the series schedule are back-to-back PLM and LMSC races at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 14 – 15. The zMAX CARS Tour will return to the .625-mile short track on Oct. 19 for the season finale, where it will crown both its series champions.

2024 zMAX CARS Tour Schedule:

• Southern National Motorsports Park, Kenly, N.C. (PLM) – March 2

• Southern National Motorsports Park, Kenly, N.C. (LMSC) – March 9

• New River All American Speedway, Jacksonville, N.C. (LMSC) – March 23

• Hickory Motor Speedway, Hickory, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – April 6

• Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – April 20

• Ace Speedway, Altamahaw, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, May 3

• North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (PLM) – Tuesday, May 14

• North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (LMSC) – Wednesday, May 15

• Tri-County Speedway, Granite Falls, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – May 25

• Langley Speedway, Hampton, Va. (LMSC) – June 1

• Dominion Raceway, Thornburg, Va. (LMSC) – June 15

• Caraway Speedway, Sophia, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Wednesday, July 3

• Hickory Motor Speedway Throwback, Hickory, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – July 27

• Ace Speedway, Altamahaw, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, Aug. 9

• Wake County Speedway, Raleigh, N.C. (LMSC) – Aug. 24

• Florence Motor Speedway, Florence, S.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, Aug. 30

• South Boston Speedway, South Boston, Va. (LMSC/PLM) – Sept. 14

• Tri-County Motor Speedway, Granite Falls, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Oct. 12

• North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Oct. 19