Dale Earnhardt Jr's zMAX CARS Tour Gains Momentum with Speedway Motors

Dale Earnhardt Jr's zMAX CARS Tour has secured a major partnership with Speedway Motorsports, strengthening the grassroots racing series' connection to the national level. The announcement, made on July 15, 2026, brings Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith into the ownership group that already includes Earnhardt Jr, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks.

What happened?

Speedway Motorsports has joined the ownership group of the zMAX CARS Tour, adding more support to one of the fastest-growing grassroots racing series in the United States. The move gives the zMAX CARS Tour access to more resources, major racing venues, and stronger marketing support.

Why it matters for Dale Earnhardt Jr

The partnership is a significant development for Earnhardt Jr's zMAX CARS Tour, as it provides a clear path for young drivers to reach NASCAR through late model competition. The addition of Speedway Motorsports brings a wealth of experience in promoting and operating race tracks, which will help the series continue to grow and expand across the country.

What comes next?

The partnership also strengthens zMAX's position as the series' entitlement sponsor while bringing additional marketing and operational support. With the 2026 season already underway, the zMAX CARS Tour is poised to continue its upward trajectory, providing opportunities for young drivers to develop their skills and potentially reach the national level.

The zMAX CARS Tour has attracted more fans and attention since Earnhardt Jr, Harvick, Burton, and Marks became owners in early 2023. The addition of Speedway Motorsports adds another experienced organization to help continue that growth. "The CARS Tour has grown leaps and bounds the past few years and 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," said Justin Marks.

The partnership also brings additional resources and support to the zMAX CARS Tour, which will help the series continue to expand and grow. With the addition of Speedway Motorsports, the zMAX CARS Tour is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory and provide opportunities for young drivers to develop their skills and potentially reach the national level.

The zMAX CARS Tour has a strong track record of developing young drivers and providing a clear path to NASCAR. With the addition of Speedway Motorsports, the series is poised to continue its growth and expansion, providing opportunities for young drivers to develop their skills and potentially reach the national level.

Dale Earnhardt Jr welcomes new partner to zMAX CARS Tour

Dale Earnhardt Jr said the new partnership builds on a relationship that has grown over several years. He believes the expanded ownership group creates more opportunities for future racers. "Marcus and I have been friends for a long time. He's been able to see what we are building as a sponsor of the Cars Tour for a few years now," Earnhardt Jr posted on X.

Justin Marks explains what the partnership means

Justin Marks believes Marcus Smith's experience will help the zMAX CARS Tour continue expanding across the country. "The CARS Tour has grown leaps and bounds the past few years and 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. Marcus' experience, perspective, and business ecosystem will prove very valuable as the CARS Tour continues to establish itself as can't-miss short track racing."

Speedway Motorsports strengthens zMAX CARS Tour ownership

The addition of Speedway Motorsports gives the zMAX CARS Tour a major boost through its experience in promoting and operating race tracks. The company owns North Wilkesboro Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with several of them already hosting CARS Tour races.

Marcus Smith said the investment aligns with the company's long-term goal of helping young racers advance in the sport. "This investment with the zMAX CARS Tour is a logical next step for us to help Legend Car drivers move to late models and then to NASCAR's national series, while continuing to maximize a fantastic marketing platform for our zMAX line of automotive additives."

Speedway Motorsports has supported grassroots racing for decades through its ownership of U.S. Legend Cars International, which it has operated since 1992. The latest investment extends that commitment by helping drivers progress from Legend Cars to late models and, eventually, to NASCAR's national series.

Dale Earnhardt Jr's zMAX CARS Tour Gains Momentum with Speedway Motorsports Partnership