Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick Announce Key Changes for the 2025 CARS Tour Season

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick Announce Key Changes for the 2025 CARS Tour Season

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick, two former NASCAR stars, have announced significant changes to their co-owned CARS Tour ahead of the 2025 season. After facing a series of challenges during the 2024 season, including weather-related delays and scheduling issues, the duo is making strategic adjustments to improve the overall experience for both drivers and fans. Their goal is to streamline the series and create a more consistent and enjoyable environment for everyone involved.

Since taking ownership of the CARS Tour in January 2023, Earnhardt Jr. and Harvick, along with their partners Jeff Burton and Justin Marks, have worked to grow the series, which showcases Pro Late Models and Late Model Stock Cars. The series has attracted rising NASCAR talents like Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil. Looking back on the difficulties of the past season, Earnhardt Jr. took to social media to announce that the 2025 season will see a reduction in the number of races. The revised calendar will cut down on the total events, allowing for more strategic breaks and much-needed rest for teams, particularly during the summer months. “We’re going to dial it back a few events next year,” Earnhardt Jr. explained, recognizing how rain delays affected the 2024 schedule.

In addition to the lighter schedule, Earnhardt Jr. and Harvick are also focused on addressing the weather-related issues that caused disruptions, especially during the April race. The team is considering a move to Cordele Speedway for the April event, hoping that the unique setting will help mitigate weather-related challenges and create a better experience for drivers and fans alike. With this in mind, the CARS Tour is taking a proactive approach to resolve these logistical hurdles and ensure the series continues to thrive.

Another significant change for the 2025 season is the shift in practice session times. Earnhardt Jr. shared that Friday practices will now be moved to the cooler evening hours during the summer months, which will help drivers avoid the oppressive daytime heat and improve overall comfort. The number of races will also be reduced from 17 to 15, allowing for better spacing between events and reducing the risk of burnout for drivers and teams.

Earnhardt Jr.’s dedication to the CARS Tour was particularly evident during the 2024 Olympic break when NASCAR took a hiatus. During this time, Earnhardt Jr. observed a surge in media attention for the grassroots series. On his podcast, “Dale Jr. Download,” he expressed how exciting it was to see the CARS Tour getting recognition from mainstream outlets that typically cover NASCAR. This attention culminated in successful events at Hickory Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway, where drivers Ronnie Bassett Jr. and Treyten Lapcevich emerged victorious. Earnhardt Jr. is hopeful that the 2025 season will continue to build on this momentum, with the series gaining even more exposure.

With these changes, Earnhardt Jr. and Harvick aim to ensure the CARS Tour’s continued success while staying true to their passion for grassroots racing. By fine-tuning the schedule, addressing weather challenges, and making practical adjustments to race weekend formats, they are setting the stage for an even more thrilling and well-executed season in 2025. As the series grows, fans can expect even more excitement and quality racing in the coming years.