zMAX CARS Tour Welcomes Speedway Motorsports into Ownership Group

In a significant development for grassroots motorsports, Speedway Motorsports has become the latest addition to the ownership consortium of the zMAX CARS Tour, a leading late model asphalt racing series in the Southeastern United States. This move integrates a major motorsports promoter with a group already led by prominent NASCAR figures including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks.

The inclusion of Speedway Motorsports, under the leadership of CEO Marcus Smith, marks a strategic expansion for the zMAX CARS Tour, which has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Marcus Smith’s involvement brings decades of motorsports business experience, rooted in a legacy that began with his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bruton Smith, a pioneering figure who developed Charlotte Motor Speedway and expanded a network of major racing venues nationwide.

Speedway Motorsports commands an extensive portfolio of race tracks and motorsport-related enterprises, managing facilities such as Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and North Wilkesboro Speedway, among others. The company also oversees diversified operations including racing car manufacturing and motorsport broadcasting. This breadth of assets and expertise positions Speedway Motorsports as a valuable partner in elevating the profile of the zMAX CARS Tour.

Marcus Smith’s journey within Speedway Motorsports began in the mid-1990s, progressing through corporate sales to executive leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as CEO in 2015. His stewardship has overseen a diverse schedule that spans NASCAR Cup Series events, NHRA drag racing, World of Outlaws dirt track races, IndyCar competitions, and motorsports-themed festivals.

The decision to invest in the zMAX CARS Tour aligns with Speedway Motorsports’ longstanding commitment to grassroots racing and driver development initiatives. Since establishing U.S. Legend Cars International in the early 1990s, the company has supported the progression of emerging racers from entry-level series to NASCAR’s national stages. The partnership with the zMAX CARS Tour is seen as a natural extension of these efforts, providing a structured pathway for drivers advancing through late model ranks.

This collaboration arrives ahead of a high-profile doubleheader event scheduled for July 17 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, a historic venue recently revitalized and embraced by the zMAX CARS Tour circuit. The event features two main races — the Spears Manufacturing 75 for Pro Late Models and the Skyline National Bank 100 for Late Model Stock cars — set to attract significant attention from fans and competitors alike.

The resurgence of North Wilkesboro Speedway as a premier short track destination highlights the tour’s growing influence in regional motorsports and the increasing value of partnerships that combine promotional prowess with championship-level racing. Speedway Motorsports’ involvement is expected to enhance marketing opportunities, sponsorship engagement, and audience reach, particularly through leveraging its existing motorsports ecosystem.

While the full scope of Speedway Motorsports’ operational changes or strategic plans within the zMAX CARS Tour framework remains to be detailed, the alliance signals a robust endorsement of late model racing’s vitality. For the tour’s existing ownership group, the addition of a seasoned motorsports enterprise underscores a shared vision to cultivate competitive racing and expand fan engagement throughout the Southeast.

As the zMAX CARS Tour continues to build on its reputation for delivering competitive short track racing, this development reflects a broader trend of consolidation and partnership in motorsports aimed at sustaining growth and fostering talent pipelines. Fans, sponsors, and participants can anticipate enhanced event experiences and promotional initiatives stemming from this expanded ownership collaboration.

For more information on the upcoming events and ongoing developments within the zMAX CARS Tour, interested parties are encouraged to consult official tour communications and the North Wilkesboro Speedway schedule. Further details on Speedway Motorsports’ activities and venues are likewise accessible through their corporate channels.