Speedway Motorsports Joins zMAX CARS Tour Ownership Group

Speedway Motorsports has joined the ownership group of the zMAX CARS Tour, adding another major NASCAR-linked company to a series that has become a key proving ground for aspiring drivers. The series was founded by Jack McNelly in 2014 from the remnants of the Pro Cup Series and currently features Late Model Stock Cars and Pro Late Models. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Justin Marks bought into the series in 2023, and the tour is described as the Southeast’s premier asphalt late model series.

Justin Marks said the addition of Speedway Motorsports and CEO Marcus Smith reflects the tour’s recent growth and will help it reach a wider audience for top late model racing. Smith said the investment fits Speedway Motorsports’ long commitment to grassroots racing and driver development. He said that commitment also includes work with U.S. Legend Cars International dating back to 1992.

Smith said the move could help drivers progress from Legend Cars to late models and eventually to NASCAR’s national series. The announcement came ahead of a CARS Tour doubleheader on Friday, July 17, at North Wilkesboro Speedway, featuring the Spears Manufacturing 75 Pro Late Model race at 6 p.m. ET and the Skyline National Bank 100 at 8 p.m. ET.