Three New Tracks and a Month-Long Break
The CARS Tour just dropped a surprise for the 2027 season that changes the whole rhythm of the year. They announced a full schedule on Thursday that includes three brand-new or returning tracks and a complete shutdown for the entire month of July. According to Daily Downforce, the series will run 15 race weekends across five states, but the biggest shock is the summer break before the August return to Hickory. This isn’t just a list of dates; it is a major shift in how the tour operates. Lonesome Pine Raceway hosts its inaugural visit, while Pulaski County Motorsports Park returns following a five-year gap, according to the updated calendar.
The schedule opens in February at Cleetus McFarland’s Freedom Factory in Bradenton, Florida. This marks the first time the tour has ever traveled that far south. On February 6, the three-eighth-mile track will host races for both the Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model divisions. The tour will then hit tracks in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia before taking that long July break. North Wilkesboro Speedway moves back to NASCAR’s All-Star week in May, with a race scheduled for Wednesday, May 19. The rest of the dates fall on Saturdays, giving families a consistent weekend plan all year long.
Why the July Shutdown Matters for Families
Taking the whole month of July off is a bold move that shows the series respects the drivers and the fans. Racing in the peak of summer heat is tough on equipment and people. By clearing the calendar, the tour gives everyone a chance to reset before the final push in August. This decision also highlights the focus on quality over quantity. Instead of rushing through bad tracks or bad weather, the series is picking specific dates at specific places that make sense for the community. Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are home to the 15 different tracks listed in this span. This keeps the racing close to home for most of the drivers and the fans who follow them.
The addition of Freedom Factory is a game-changer for the sport. It brings a new vibe to the opener with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, and Cleetus McFarland all expected to compete. That is a star-studded field to kick off the year. The return to Pulaski County Motorsports Park after five years shows the tour values its roots. It proves that short tracks still have a place in the modern racing world. Wake County and Langley appear on the schedule exclusively as Late Model Stock Car-only events. All other dates feature both divisions, which gives fans more value for their ticket price.
A New Direction for the Tour
The 2027 plan looks like it was built by people who actually watch the races. They know that a packed calendar can hurt the quality of the product. By adding new venues and cutting out the middle of summer, they are betting on a better show. The move to North Wilkesboro during All-Star week is smart. It puts the series in front of a bigger audience when the whole country is watching NASCAR. The trip to Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn, Virginia, opens up a new market for the tour. It brings the racing to a part of the country that has been waiting for a stop.
This schedule is a sign of growth. The tour is not just surviving; it is expanding its reach. They are going to Florida for the first time and adding a track in Virginia that has never hosted them before. The return of Pulaski County after five years shows they are not afraid to bring back old favorites. The two extra races for Late Model Stocks give those drivers more chances to shine. The whole setup feels like it is designed for the people who love the sport, not just the sponsors.
The final race of the year is set for October 16 at South Boston Speedway. That date gives the season a strong finish in Virginia. The tour has built a solid path from February to October. Fans can mark their calendars for the opener on February 6 and the finale on October 16. The full 2027 CARS Tour schedule is now available for anyone who wants to plan their season. The break in July and the new tracks make this year different. It is a fresh start for a series that knows what its fans want.