Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s zMAX CARS Tour Gains Speedway Motorsports as New Partner

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s zMAX CARS Tour has secured a major new partner after Speedway Motorsports joined its ownership group. The announcement, made on July 15, 2026, brings Speedway Motorsports CEO Marcus Smith into the group alongside Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks.

What does this partnership mean for the zMAX CARS Tour?

The addition of Speedway Motorsports provides the zMAX CARS Tour with expanded resources, access to major racing venues, and stronger marketing support. Speedway Motorsports owns several NASCAR tracks, including North Wilkesboro Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Charlotte Motor Speedway, which already host CARS Tour events.

Marcus Smith, the CEO of Speedway Motorsports, emphasized the company’s long-term goal of helping young racers advance in the sport. The partnership aligns with Speedway Motorsports' decades-long support of grassroots racing through its ownership of U.S. Legend Cars International.

Why is this significant for Dale Earnhardt Jr.?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomed the new partnership, calling it a natural extension of a relationship that has grown over several years. He believes the expanded ownership group will create more opportunities for future racers.

Earnhardt Jr. posted on X, saying, '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.' The zMAX CARS Tour has attracted more fans and attention since Earnhardt Jr., Harvick, Burton, and Marks became owners in early 2023.

What comes next for the zMAX CARS Tour?

Justin Marks, another owner of the zMAX CARS Tour, believes Marcus Smith’s experience will help the series continue expanding across the country. The partnership strengthens zMAX’s position as the series’ entitlement sponsor while bringing more exposure to late model racing.

The zMAX CARS Tour has become one of the fastest-growing grassroots racing series in the United States. With Speedway Motorsports on board, the series is poised to provide even more opportunities for young drivers hoping to reach NASCAR’s national level.