When NASCAR debuted as a competition, it did not gain instant popularity. Although the tournament became a hit in several regions where indigenous drivers shone in NASCAR, on a larger level, it was struggling to break through.
Decade after decade, with improvements in the competition, better broadcasting, increased cultural relevance, the arrival of star drivers, and the growing popularity of motorsports, NASCAR has become one of the biggest leagues in the U.S.
However, after its peak in the early 2000s and in the next decade, the sport’s popularity saw a healthy decline. While it recovered from this and is still mid-stage, criticism against NASCAR has only risen recently.
Amid all that, some fans and insiders are praising the zMAX CARS Tour, which is co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick, especially after its latest race at North Wilkesboro.
What Happened at the Window World 100
Landen Lewis on KHI started at the pole in his No. 29 Chevrolet and dominated the entire race. The 19-year-old navigated the race’s chaos, starting from the early car wreck that pulled in 15 drivers.
The No. 29 driver led all laps of the race and won the second consecutive race of the competition, with his previous victory coming at the Ace Speedway.
Tristan McKee finished the race right behind Lewis, followed by Mini Tyrrell and Kaden Honeycutt.
Lanie Bucie, who started the race in second place, was unable to recover from her early wreck with Jake Bollman and finished 32nd.
Audience’s Reaction to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s CARS Tour
After watching the Friday race, Country musician Drew Parker took to X and compared the CARS Tour to the NASCAR Cup Series. While picking the CARS Tour over NASCAR, he praised the competition and its co-owners, Earnhardt and Harvick, posting, “The @CARSTour racing product is 10x the show that is @NASCAR Cup Series. Well done, @DaleJr, @KevinHarvick. Also, great decision to whoever got this race broadcast on big TV.”
His post garnered over 53,000 views and had several folks agree with him. However, since the CARS Tour race was a one-sided competition, similar to NASCAR races in recent times, many were not on the same page as Parker.
Trenton Worsham, a motorsports journalist at Frontstretch, reposted Parker’s tweet and wrote, “I just tweeted something similar. It’s urgent, informative, and naturally funny when it occurs. Just how it should be every week.”
When NASCAR spotter and podcaster Brett Griffin saw Parker’s post, he joined the party to voice his opinion.
Griffin, who has been associated with NASCAR for a long time, said he might get into trouble for giving his take, but he gave it anyway, writing, “Sure I’ll get in trouble for this but f*** it. Short track racing can be and should be great. Use those damn cars for short tracks if you have to. I’m assuming it would be cheaper to have 2-3 of those versus 2-3 of the current cup car.”
Although he gave his bold take, when a user commented on Griffin’s post saying, “If the cars tour was televised every week, NASCAR would die,” he immediately responded with, “No, it wouldn’t.”