Dale Earnhardt Jr. gains NASCAR powerhouse partner for zMAX CARS Tour

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his ownership group just landed a major ally in Speedway Motorsports, a move announced on July 15, 2026 that injects fresh resources into the zMAX CARS Tour.

What happened?

Speedway Motorsports has joined the ownership group behind the zMAX CARS Tour, adding CEO Marcus Smith to a lineup that already includes Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks. The deal gives the grassroots late-model series access to more funding, marquee venues, and stronger marketing muscle.

The partnership arrives just three years after Earnhardt Jr. and the others bought into the series in early 2023. Since then, the zMAX CARS Tour has grown fast, drawing bigger crowds and deeper fan interest.

Why it matters for Dale Earnhardt Jr

For Earnhardt Jr., the new investor brings decades of track operations experience. Speedway Motorsports owns North Wilkesboro Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway: several of which already host CARS Tour races.

Earnhardt Jr. called the move a natural fit. “Marcus and I have been friends for a long time,” he posted on X. “There are thousands of Legends car racers across the country that could potentially choose a path through the Cars Tour on their journey to becoming NASCAR champions.”

What comes next?

The expanded ownership group plans to funnel more young drivers from Legend Cars into late models, then into NASCAR’s national series. Speedway Motorsports has backed grassroots racing for decades through its U.S. Legend Cars International arm, which it has run since 1992.

Marcus Smith framed the investment as a step toward building clearer pathways for rising talent. “This investment with the zMAX CARS Tour is a logical next step,” he said, “to help Legend Car drivers move to late models and then to NASCAR’s national series.”

How the partnership helps the zMAX CARS Tour

Justin Marks expects the added firepower to accelerate the series’ growth. “The CARS Tour has grown leaps and bounds the past few years,” he said. “Welcoming Marcus into the ownership group is just another step in our effort to bring the best Late Model racing in America to as many people as possible.”

The deal also locks in zMAX as the series’ entitlement sponsor, giving the automotive additive brand stronger ties to the track and the next wave of racers.