Although grassroots and late model racing have always been relevant, with the rise of other formats, the audience, too, has drifted a little. However, many loyal fans of the format still prefer the initial format. Besides the rise and fall of NASCAR, over the years has also played a part in the shifting popularity.
Alongside several others, the CARS Tour, born in 2014, has been one of the most interesting competitions when it comes to late models. Especially after Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Justin Marks, and Jeff Burton took over in 2023, the competition’s growth has seen a steep rise.
In its latest and most anticipated race at North Wilkesboro, things did not exactly start on a high note.
Early Drama in the CARS Tour Race at North Wilkesboro
The Window World 100 at Wilkesboro had a total of 36 cars on the track, and Landen Lewis of Kevin Harvick Inc. held the pole position for the race. As soon as the engines were fired, Lewis No. 29 Chevrolet was leading the party at the front line. After the first lap, Lewis was still in the lead with Jake Bollman and Lanie Buice right behind him.
While coming down Turn 1, Bollman tried to make an arc around Bucie’s No. 3 Chevy. However, Bucie was unable to turn quickly and ended up making contact with Bollman’s No. 71 car.
With the contact coming on the left side of his car, Bollman spun out, and the rear end of the car went straight to the outside wall. Simultaneously, the No. 3 wrecked into the wall as well on the right rear side.
However, the wreck that was started by the two frontrunners triggered a chain reaction. On the second lap itself, a total of 15 cars were caught in the crash that led to massive chaos early on in the race.
Something similar happened on the same track in the pro late model race of the tournament. During the very first lap of the Reverend Sour Mash Whiskey 75, when the drivers came down Turn 1, it led to a multi-car crash that disrupted the race’s rhythm.
As for the Window World 100, despite the early-race chaos, Lewis continued to dominate the race. The No. 29 driver led all 100 laps of the race and arrived in the victory lane in the second consecutive competition.
After the race, the 19-year-old driver’s emotions got the better of him as he said:
“Speechless. That’s what I am right now. This one hits hard. These guys have worked their butts off. I’m there every day with them, just grinding it out, trying to make these race cars the best they are.”
He also thanked his crew and team for making it possible: “Miles, all my crew guys, for everything they do, Kevin, Delana, Keelan, and Piper. Again, if I told you two years ago I’d be in this spot, I’d have told everyone you’re crazy.”
Tristan McKee finished in the runner-up position at North Wilkesboro while Mini Tyrrell clinched the third spot.