This Saturday night, the CARS Tour returns to one of its original tracks, the ⅜-mile Orange County Speedway in Rougemont, North Carolina. With a field of 32 Late Model Stock Cars vying for 28 spots, competition will be fierce. Among the entrants is Ryan Newman, the 2008 Daytona 500 winner, making his debut with Matt Piercy Racing. Also returning are Layne Riggs and Kaden Honeycutt, who will add depth and excitement to the event. The race marks the fourth round of the season for the Late Model Stock Car division, where Connor Hall currently leads the championship points.

The doubleheader promises thrilling action, starting with qualifying at 4:40 p.m. ET and racing commencing around 7 p.m. ET. The Pro Late Model race will precede the main Late Model Stock Car feature, which is scheduled for an 8:30 p.m. ET start. Fans can catch all the action live on FloRacing.

Star Power in the Field

Among the competitors set to take the track this weekend is NASCAR veteran Ryan Newman, who will make his CARS Tour debut. Known for victories such as the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400, Newman has recently focused on pavement Modifieds. His experience at Orange County includes a recent SMART Modified Tour win, positioning him well for success in the No. 7 machine from Matt Piercy Racing.

In addition to Newman, other notable drivers include Layne Riggs, piloting the No. 17 car for Tom Usry Racing, and reigning CARS Tour Pro Late Model champion Kaden Honeycutt. Riggs, hailing from nearby Bahama, North Carolina, boasts a strong history at Orange County, having led every lap in past races. Meanwhile, Honeycutt plans to compete in both the Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model divisions, aiming to replicate last year’s double-duty success. These seasoned drivers promise to elevate the level of competition significantly.

Championship Battle Intensifies

As the fourth race of the season approaches, the championship battle remains tight. Connor Hall, who claimed victories at New River All-American Speedway and Cordele Motor Speedway, leads the points standings with an impressive average finish of 1.3 across three races. Mini Tyrrell trails closely behind, followed by Kade Brown and a tie between Landen Lewis and Doug Barnes Jr. Each driver seeks crucial points to strengthen their championship hopes.

Saturday’s event offers a pivotal moment in the season. Drivers must navigate a challenging lineup process, with at least four cars sent home due to the limited starting positions. The high-banked oval presents unique challenges that favor experienced competitors like Hall and Tyrrell. As fans anticipate the action-packed evening, all eyes will be on how these contenders perform under pressure. With so much at stake, every lap could prove critical in shaping the season's outcome.